University of Chicago

Research Specialist 1

CHICAGO, ILPosted 20 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from University of Chicago

  • Job overview

    The Research Specialist 1 at University of Chicago supports scientific research by performing routine lab tasks, particularly in Sanger sequencing and plasmid preparation, contributing to the Genomics Facility's core services.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves colony picking, bacterial culture, plasmid preparation, operating sequencing equipment, maintaining records, supporting research projects, analyzing data, assisting in report writing, and collaborating with facility staff to deliver timely results.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The salary range is $50,000 to $70,000 annually with eligibility for benefits including health, retirement, and paid time off as detailed in the University's Benefits Guidebook.

  • Experience and skills

    Requires a college degree in a related field with less than 2 years of relevant experience; preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's in Biology or Genetics and at least 1 year in a Core, Research, or Industry lab, along with strong communication skills and ability to work independently under pressure.

  • Work environment and culture

    The University of Chicago promotes an inclusive and equal opportunity work environment with support for diversity and accommodations, emphasizing compliance with regulatory policies and collaborative teamwork.

  • Company information

    The University of Chicago is a prestigious academic institution with a well-supported Genomics Facility providing essential sequencing and analysis services to researchers.

  • Team overview

    The candidate will join the Sanger Sequencing sub-unit within the Genomics Facility, working closely with other facility staff to support research clients and maintain lab operations.

  • Job location and travel

    Located at the University of Chicago, the position involves lab-based work with some computer tasks; no travel requirements are mentioned.

  • Application process

    Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and three science or supervisor references via the My Experience application portal under Application Documents.

  • Unique job features

    The position offers expert technical support in Sanger sequencing pipelines and involves using advanced sequencing equipment like the ABI3730xl, with opportunities to contribute to academic research outputs.

Company overview

The University of Chicago is a prestigious private research university located in Chicago, Illinois, known for its rigorous academic programs and influential research contributions. Established in 1890 by the American Baptist Education Society and oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, the university has a rich history of fostering intellectual inquiry and innovation. It generates revenue through tuition, research grants, endowments, and partnerships with various organizations. Notable for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education, the university has produced numerous Nobel laureates and continues to be a leader in fields such as economics, law, and the sciences.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to emphasize hands-on experience with Sanger sequencing, plasmid preparation, and operating sequencing equipment like ABI3730xl, as these are core to the Research Specialist 1 role at University of Chicago.

  • Highlight your ability to maintain rigorous lab records, comply with regulatory policies, and support research projects through data analysis and report writing to align with the job's technical and administrative responsibilities.

  • Apply through multiple channels including the University of Chicago's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of being noticed for this specialized research position.

  • Connect on LinkedIn with current staff in the BSD SRF Genomics division or related research groups at University of Chicago; use ice breakers like commenting on recent publications from the Genomics Facility or expressing enthusiasm for their role in advancing DNA sequencing technologies.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating key phrases from the job description such as 'Sanger sequencing,' 'plasmid preparation,' 'ABI3730xl operation,' 'regulatory compliance,' and 'data analysis' to ensure it passes initial automated screenings.

  • Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailoring your resume, identifying the best application platforms, and finding relevant University of Chicago contacts to network with, allowing you to focus on preparing for interviews and refining your research expertise.

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