Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Research Laboratory Technician - Biologics Core

Chicago, IL Full time

By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

The Research Laboratory Technician - Translational Cell Therapy Lab (TCTL) will involve the day to day operations of the Translational Cell Therapy Lab which conducts an array of biomedical research projects, primarily focused on neuromuscular regeneration and aging, and interactions with a diverse group of affiliated scientists and students.

The Research Laboratory Technician - TCTL will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Research Laboratory Technician - TCTL will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

The Research Laboratory Technician - TCTL will:

  • Support the day-to-day activities of a team of biomedical researchers tasked with investigating the mechanisms of aging and neuromuscular regeneration through transplantation of adult stem cells and/or their secreted factors into murine models.

  • Work with scientists, therapists, and physicians to perform and document translational and basic science studies.

  • Keep inventory of supplies and placing orders.

  • Provide support for mouse colony maintenance and modification; including genotyping and phenotype characterization.

  • Contribute to new project plan development and experimental execution, builds and maintains laboratory protocols, and perform accurate result analysis.

  • Occasionally support administrative protocol creation/modification as needed with institutional review board (IRB), institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC), institutional biosafety committee (IBC), and research safety designates. Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) and laboratory manager in supporting organization, budget planning, and meeting project milestones.

  • Interface with a diverse group, including the core research team, academic collaborators within and outside the Shirley Ryan Abilitylab, industrial partners, research administration, and federal funding agencies.

  • Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Translational Cell Therapy Lab and Shirley Ryan Abilitylab.


Reporting Relationships:

  • Reports directly to Principal Investigator, Dr. Mitra Lavasani


Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in a biology related field; Additional neuromuscular, bioengineering, or physiology background is a plus.

  • Experience in a related research field.

  • Experience with cryosectioning and cell culture is preferred but not required.

  • Ability to think intuitively and operate independently to maintain productivity and efficiency.

  • Experience with scientific writing and presentations.

  • Experience with mouse colony maintenance is preferred but not required.

  • Analytical abilities necessary to understand complex problems and resolve these problems through the application of appropriate technologies, the ability to structure time to meet deadlines, and the ability to be flexible to changing design requirements and deliverable

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


Working Conditions:

  • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

Pay and Benefits:

Salary Range:  $17.00 per hour - $29.59 per hour

Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits

*Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role.


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ShirleyRyan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.