Research Professional

Department

BSD HGD - Ober Lab

About the Department

The central intellectual theme of our department is to understand the roles of genetics and epigenetics in patterning phenotypic variation in natural populations and in human evolution, health, and disease. We bring together faculty and students with diverse perspectives and expertise who are united by a shared passion for understanding genetic variation and drawing out the insights it can provide on gene regulatory mechanisms, evolutionary history, and health outcomes, across developmental stages and environmental contexts.

We foster collaborative research that integrates experimental discoveries with statistical modeling and bridges the gap between basic and translational research to ultimately inform strategies for precision medicine.

Job Summary

Research in the Ober Lab focuses on understanding the role of genetic variation and environmental exposures in shaping risk for asthma and allergic diseases, with the goal of identifying molecular targets for treatment or early intervention. To this end, we integrate genetic studies with gene expression and epigenetic marks (e.g., DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility) in cells that are relevant to asthma and allergy. Our studies are primarily conducted in birth cohorts of children who are deeply characterized with respect to their environmental exposures and clinical outcomes in early life and childhood, or in cross-sectional cohorts recruited for specific studies. This position will engage in laboratory research activities to generate molecular data as well as in the analysis and interpretation of those data.

Responsibilities

• Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.

• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.

• Collaborates on development of new research projects with academic and community-based organizations.

• May present work at scientific meetings.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Bench experience with molecular genetic tools (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA methylation studies) and with long read sequencing platforms.

• At least one peer-reviewed publication in a related field.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to maintain calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.

• Excellent problem-solving skills required. Ability to use appropriate resources to resolve an issue.

• Ability to follow an issue through to resolution.

• Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member.

• Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.

Working Conditions

• Research Lab setting.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover letter (required)

• Names and contact information for 3 references (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $80,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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