Research Specialist/Lab Manager - Spitz Lab
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

BSD HGD - Spitz Lab

About the Department

The Spitz lab forms a dynamic and interdisciplinary team using cutting-edge functional genetic and genomic technologies together with computational approaches to understand how changes in our genome and chromatin structure contribute to human developmental abnormalities, cancers, and to vertebrate evolution. Using cellular and animal models, we study how the dynamic gene regulatory programs that govern embryonic development and tissue formation are encoded in the genome, and how (epi)genomic abnormalities or genetic mutations interfere with their deployment and lead to altered cell fate. We are integrated within the Department of Human Genetics in the Hyde Park campus. The Human Genetics Department offers a highly collaborative and supportive research environment to study the genetic and genomic underpinnings of human health and disease, with a strong emphasis on quantitative and statistical genetics, functional genomics and computational biology.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated and research focused research specialist to join the Spitz lab. Our lab combines cutting-edge genomic technologies (Hi-C, ChIP-Seq/Cut&Run, ATAC-Seq), spatially resolved-single-cell transcriptomics, and functional genetics in engineered cell lines and mouse models to investigate the epigenomic basis of the programs that control embryonic development and to understand how genomic alterations can derail these programs and lead to developmental malformations or pediatric tumors.

The successful candidate will help ensuring a smooth and efficient organization of the laboratory. They will perform wet lab experiments, including the development of new cellular and animal models by chromosomal engineering genomic and their analysis by transcriptome and chromatin profiling. They will also assist lab scientists in conducting research experimental lab work.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to the conduct of scientific research projects and to the organization the lab's research activities.
  
• Performs experiments to characterize the role of genome and chromatin structure in controlling gene expression. Technologies used routinely in the lab include genome engineering (Crisp/Cas9), chromatin profiling (ChIP-Seq, Cut&Run, ATAC-Seq) and conformation assays (Hi-C), single-cell transcriptomics, in situ hybridization.
  
• Trains and assistsstudents/postdocs/collaborators in the technologies mentioned above.
  
• Oversees our mouse colony.
  
• Participates in laboratory meetings and functions.
  
• Provides logistical support for the smooth and efficient running of the lab (organization, equipment maintenance logs, stocks and ordering).
  
• Manages, maintains, and ensures laboratory compliance to the human subjects (IRB), biosafety (IBC), and animal usage (IACUC) protocols.
  
• Ensures adherence to safe laboratory practices, proper upkeep of the laboratory environment and equipment.
  
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
  
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree 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:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or related field.
  

Experience:

• Previous research experience in a laboratory setting. Previous experience with genomics, cell culture or mouse models would be an asset.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work autonomously, to prioritize and manage workload to meet critical project milestones and deadlines.
  
• Ability to follow and troubleshoot experimental research protocols.
  
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
  
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  
• Excellent communication skills.
  

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.
  

Application Documents

• CV/Resume (required)
  
• List of three references (required)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe 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

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

Employees must comply with the University's COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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.

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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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