Research Technician
The University of Chicago

Department

BSD E&E - Administration

About the Department

The McCoy Lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolution and the Marine Biological Lab (MBL) is seeking a Research Technician to begin in autumn 2024.

The McCoy Lab takes an interdisciplinary approach to science. Bringing together methods from physics, biology, and computational science to tackle interesting questions in the natural world. Currently, Dr. McCoy researches coral reefs with a focus on the symbiotic partnerships between animals and photosynthetic algae. How do animals like corals, bivalves, acoels, and sponges use photonic adaptations to channel sunlight toward their symbionts? To what degree are these relationships truly symbiotic and mutualistic, rather than parasitic? What drives coral bleaching? Beyond coral reefs, she is also interested in biophotonics and evolutionary conflict in other domains, including mammalian pregnancy and colorful birds.

Job Summary

The Research Technician will provide scientific and logistical support for ongoing and new research projects in both labs. Responsibilities will include a mix of wet lab work, dry lab work, and some field collections, as well as overseeing lab logistics like procuring and stocking equipment and reagents. While not required as a part of the position, motivated candidates will be encouraged to develop more advanced research skills and may also assist with data analysis and manuscript preparation.

Responsibilities

• Wet lab benchwork, including DNA extraction and library preparation.
  
• Plant care, phenotyping, and tissue collection.
  
• Dry lab work including handling, measuring, and/or weighing plant tissue.
  
• Data entry.
  
• Assistance with the collection of samples and seeds from field sites around the Midwest.
  
• Logistical and managerial support to the labs, including assistance with procuring and stocking equipment and reagents, managing inventory of research supplies, coordinating usage of shared equipment across lab personnel, and overseeing lab safety compliance and training.
  
• Contribute to data analysis and manuscript preparation, and/or build skills toward this capacity.
  
• Assist in analyzing data; assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
  
• Assist with the installation, setup and performing experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigators.
  
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
  
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
  
• May assist recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; and providing general administrative support. Is developing skills in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
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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:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent in biology, ecology, plant science, or a related field.
  

Experience:

• Experience with molecular biology benchwork.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Detail-oriented and ability to multitask.
  
• Ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  
• Ability to follow research protocols carefully and with attention to detail.
  
• Strong organizational skills: ability to effectively manage time and a diversity of tasks.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
  
• Ability to perform light/medium work, which includes bending and stooping to collect plant specimens from various field locations.
  
• Ability to travel around campus and to off-campus locations.
  
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
  
• Ability to sit or stand for up 4 hours.
  

Working Conditions

• This is an onsite campus position which includes time spent in the University's Greenhouse.
  
• Outdoor Field Work required.
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover Letter (required)
  
• A list of three references with contact information (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

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency

Biweekly

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.

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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