Research Analyst​

Department

BSD PED - Pediatric Genetics and Genomics - Carvill Lab

About the Department

​​​The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago is a dynamic and stimulating place to work. We strive for the highest level of complex care for children from diagnosis and treatment; provide outstanding education and training for students, postgraduate scholars, and physicians; and nurture the research of Department scholars who seek to elucidate the causes of pediatric disease and identify promising new therapies. In addition to our provision of clinical care at UChicago Medicine (UCM) Comer Children’s Hospital and at our regional sites, we are currently expanding our clinical care across Northern Illinois and Northwestern Indiana. In collaboration with our partners in the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance (CCHA; Advocate Children’s Hospital, and NorthShore University Health System). CCHA has responsibility for the care of almost 1 million children. The Department has expanded its presence to numerous satellite sites of care across the region with the goal of providing care ‘close to home’ whenever feasible (https://pediatrics.uchicago.edu/).  Our mission is to improve the health of every child entrusted to us, in an inclusive environment that is committed to family-centered care, clinical excellence, impactful scholarship, effective disease prevention, and advocacy for the appropriate care of every child. We are especially committed to the children on the South Side of Chicago and to altering the inequities in healthcare.  

​The Carvill Laboratory sits within the Section of Genetics and Genomics in the Department of Pediatrics. The lab investigates the genetic causes of epilepsy and how pathogenic variants disrupt brain development and function, combining genomic, computational, and stem cell based approaches to identify and test gene targeted therapies. The lab works in close partnership with clinicians at Comer Children's Hospital and with investigators in the Department of Human Genetics, giving staff direct exposure to the translation of genetic discovery into patient care.​​

Job Summary

​​The Carvill laboratory seeks a Research Analyst to become a member of the laboratory team. The laboratory is interested in the genetic causes of epilepsy and how pathogenic variants affect brain development and function. We perform discovery of the coding and non-coding genetic variants that underlie epilepsy, integrating genomic, computational, and stem cell-based approaches. We seek to understand how these genetic alterations translate into disease mechanisms in order to identify and test novel gene-targeted therapeutics. Individuals will work as part of a team to advance multidisciplinary projects, collaborating closely with clinicians and clinical staff at Comer Children’s and researchers in Human Genetics. It is expected that individuals in the Research Analyst position will develop independent competence in basic research approaches. The job provides both basic technical support activities and the opportunity for independent advancement of scientific research projects. Individuals in the. Research Analyst position are expected to work with a moderate level of guidance, to independently execute and troubleshoot established experimental protocols, and to contribute to the design and interpretation of assigned project components. The job combines hands on experimental work with responsibility for the execution and analysis of defined portions of scientific research projects.

​​The primary goal of our research is to use gene discovery and molecular biology approaches to identify new treatments for epilepsy. We aim to identify the genetic causes of epilepsy and use stem cell models to understand how these genetic variants can cause epilepsy. Our work is based on the promise of precision medicine, where knowledge of an individual's genetic makeup shapes a personalized approach to care and management of epilepsy. 

​​The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assist in drafting presentations on research findings.  

Responsibilities

• ​​​Performs molecular biology and genomics experiments according to established laboratory protocols including CRISPR based genome editing, lentiviral transduction, and culture and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cell derived neuronal models.

• ​Prepares and processes next generation sequencing libraries for ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq.

• ​Performs primary quality control and reports inconsistent results to the principal investigator.

• ​Runs established bioinformatics pipelines to process genomic and transcriptomic data and summarizes output for review.

• ​Assists with rapid protein degradation experiments using degron systems and characterizes protein to protein interactions by mass spectrometry.

• ​Participates in multidisciplinary projects with clinicians and clinical staff at Comer Children’s Hospital and with investigators in the Department of Human Genetics.

• ​Performs laboratory research, generating high-quality and rigorous scientific data.

• ​Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.  

• ​Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• ​Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• ​Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

• ​Performs other related work as needed. ​​

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree 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

Education:

• ​​​Bachelor’s degree in a related field.​​

Experience:

• ​​Laboratory research experience in molecular biology, genetics, or genomics, including academic, thesis, or internship experience.
• ​Exposure to CRISPR based genome editing or lentiviral transduction.

• ​Familiarity with next generation sequencing methods such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, or ChIP-seq.

• ​Experience with mammalian cell culture.

• ​Basic familiarity with command line tools or a scripting language such as R or Python.

• ​Prior research experience in a genetics, genomics, or neuroscience setting.​

Preferred Competencies

• ​​​​Molecular biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, and protein blotting.

• ​Mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique and maintenance of continuous cultures.

• ​Familiarity with CRISPR based genetic engineering.

• ​Lentiviral vector production and transduction.

• ​Preparation and quality assessment of ChIP seq, ATAC seq, and RNA seq libraries.

• ​Basic familiarity with bioinformatic analysis tools such as R, Python, or equivalent command line tools.

• ​Protein interaction analysis using mass spectrometry and rapid protein degradation using degron systems.

• ​Culture and neuronal differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells.

• ​Attention to detail and accuracy when performing established laboratory procedures.

• ​Organizational skills with the ability to complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines.

• ​Effective written and verbal communication skills, including clear communication of scientific methods and findings.

• ​Ability to follow established protocols accurately, maintain complete laboratory documentation, and work effectively as part of a team.​​​

Working Conditions

• ​​​Fully onsite position in a laboratory environment.

• ​Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to laboratory safety protocols.

• ​Requires periods of standing, sitting, and repetitive laboratory tasks.

• ​Ability to lift and carry laboratory materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

• ​Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for time sensitive experiments and cell culture maintenance.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

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

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00

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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