Temporary Research Assistant

Department

BSD OBG - Lengyel Lab

About the Department

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has 136 clinical providers, providing care at the main hospital in Hyde Park and seven off site locations. We have more than 68,000 outpatient visits, 28,000 ultrasound visits, 2,800 deliveries, and 3,300 surgeries per year. Teaching, research, and the highest quality clinical care are top priorities for the Department. The residency and fellowship programs are highly ranked and have a history of training leaders in healthcare. The Department also has a significant research enterprise, engaging in population health studies, as well as research conducted in wet laboratories on tumor biology, fibroid research, and hypertensive diseases in pregnancy. Additionally, the Section of Family Planning has established a unique research center, CI3, which focuses on reproductive policy and innovations in sexual and reproductive health. The department was ranked #16 on the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report.

The overall goal of the laboratory is to enhance our understanding of human ovarian cancer biology. Our laboratory studies the role of the microenvironment in ovarian cancer development and progression; using knowledge gained to develop novel treatments for metastatic ovarian cancer.
The approaches we take encompass primary cell and organ culture, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, structural biochemistry, biochemistry, genomics, and transgenic mouse models. As a translational research laboratory, we have access to primary human tissue, including tissue microarrays of ovarian cancer. We collaborate with the pharmaceutical industry to test new compounds for ovarian cancer treatment in vitro and in vivo, and are part of phase I and phase II clinical studies examining new treatments for gynecologic cancers. The laboratory currently employs five postdoctoral scientists, 2 staff scientists, seven research support assistants and two research professors, and is situated in the Gordon Center for Integrative Science at the University of Chicago. The Center provides laboratory space for approximately 40 different research groups and encourages an integrative approach to science by bringing a Howard Hughes Medical Institute, biochemists, structural biologists, chemists, and cancer biologists together under one roof.

We offer comprehensive and structured training in translational research with access to all aspects of basic and clinical cancer treatment. A strong background in molecular and cellular biology is important and expertise in protein biochemistry and/or transgenic mouse models preferred. We are seeking candidates who are self-motivated, career-oriented and able to take full advantage of the opportunities given. Our approach to science is highly collaborative.

Job Information

Job Summary:

The Temporary Research Assistant provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities:

• Assists with planning, development and execution of research in the laboratory.

• Assists in organizing the laboratory.

• Works collaboratively with the team and collaborators.

• Assists in management of animal colony and animal experiments.

• Conducts periodic training for current and new members of the laboratory.

• Contributes to the writing of academic papers, reports and final summaries.

• Collects, records, and analyzes data.

• Conduct basic analyses and research, involving tumor microenvironment in development and progress of carcinosarcomas.

• This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.

• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.

• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Competencies:

• Organization.

• Problem Solving.

• Collaboration and Independence.

• Attention to detail.

• Communication.

• Knowledge in cancer biology and role of microenvironment during cancer progression.

• Knowledge of research techniques or methods (cell biology, translation, transcription, primary cultures, microscopy, cell assays, biochemical assays, molecular biology assays).

• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

• Strong interest in and commitment to research goals of laboratory.

• Required a minimum of two year of experience in research..

• Comfort working with a team.

• Ability to be flexible in changing research focus.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High school diploma required.

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in field relevant to the research (e.g., biology, cell biology, cancer biology) preferred.

Experience:

• Work experience equivalent of that of entry level, preferred.

• Experience or interest in relevant research area, preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended duration.

• Standard office environment.

• Lab work environment.

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter

Job Family

Temporary Staff

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Pay Frequency

Hourly

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

​
FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

​
Pay Range

$16.60

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

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal 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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