Staff Scientist, Immunology And Infectious Diseases

Department
PME Esser-Kahn Lab
About the Department
The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu/) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME's rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago's unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.
Job Summary
The Esser-Kahn Research Lab is seeking an experienced Staff Scientist with a background in Infectious Diseases. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator, Postdoctoral Researchers, and students of the research lab. The candidate will also be responsible for all aspects of the lab research projects and research facilities. The primary focus will be on the development of new infectious disease models in collaboration with the Howard Ricketts Laboratory at Argonne National Lab. The potential appointee will have access and privileges at both locations to facilitate the development of vaccines against both BSL-2 and BSL-3 pathogens. Knowledge of viral and bacterial culture as well as neutralization assays will be considered a great benefit.
The ideal candidate will closely partner with the faculty to plan, oversee, and execute all aspects of the research operation, particularly on aspects of student supervision of research, and through grant proposal preparation and manuscript editing.
Responsibilities

• Facilitates and promotes advanced technical/scientific research projects including data analysis. Recognizes the need for innovation and develops or incorporates advances in research concepts to help disseminate the results of research projects.
• Assists in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports.
• Assists in the preparation of presentations for scientific meetings and scientific manuscripts.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other researchers in group and joint research efforts.
• Builds relationships crucial to the success of the lab, PME, and UChicago and manages various special projects, some of which may have organizational and research impacts.
• Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison for internal and external constituencies on all matters for the Principal Investigator and their associated labs.
• Creates and presents tutorials, hands-on workshops, and documentation to educate the relevant research community, as per the direction of the faculty lead.
• Collaborates closely with the research team to write documentation and disseminate research methods and resources that support or advance their research.
• Maintains relevant scientific operations, and equipment ordering, including activities of students, postdoctoral researchers, and research staff.
• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors' scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Collaborates on the development of new research projects with academic and community-based organizations.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• Doctoral degree with an established track record in biology, immunology, or bioengineering.

Experience:

• A minimum of three years of significant work experience; postdoc experience.
• Background working within academic and laboratory environments.
• Experience with immunological techniques, cell culture, molecular biology, and work with mice.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with cell culture, animal models of immunological experimentation, and general methods of immune experimentation including but not limited to: flow cytometry, western-blot, cell separation and isolation, Ficoll gradient separation, and statistical analytical methods. Experience with animals is a plus.
• Project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong computer skills including calendaring, document management (e.g., Dropbox, Box, etc.), word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of statistical/analytical software.
• Familiarity with report writing/submission and manuscript drafting, editing, and review.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated administrative, problem-solving, organization, and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.
• Flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Handle stressful, sensitive, and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Knowledge and experience of related research techniques or methods.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with local and federal regulations, guidelines, and procedures.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

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
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.
Staff 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.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
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