UChicago

Staff Scientist

Cummings Life Sciences Center Full time

Department

BSD MIC - Chen Lab


About the Department

The Jueqi Chen Research Lab, within the Department of Microbiology, focuses on the molecular mechanisms and functionalities of innate immunity and inflammation, with diverse approaches in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and immunology. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.


Job Summary

The Staff Scientist leads scientific research projects within the Jueqi Chen Research Lab, taking primary responsibility for designing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and contributing to publications and grant proposals. They provide technical expertise, mentor junior researchers, and support continuity across the lab’s research efforts.

Responsibilities

  • Leads research projects and participate in manuscript writing.

  • Analyzes experimental data.

  • Develops and performs assays in cell biology, biochemistry, and microbiology.

  • Establishes and cultures mammalian cell lines.

  • Performs work in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions and animal facilities.

  • Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.

  • Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.

  • Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.

  • Trains new laboratory personnel.

  • 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

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Working Conditions

  • Lab Environment.

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)

  • Cover Letter (preferred)


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

$70,000.00 - $90,000.00

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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