Research Technician

at  The University of Chicago

Department
BSD BMB - Sosnick Lab
About the Department
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology studies how biomolecules function and interact to drive the complex, diverse, and adaptive behaviors of living systems. Our focus is on biological mechanisms described at the atomic level. We are highly collaborative and often employ multiple approaches to address otherwise intractable questions. We have particular strengths in membrane proteins and RNA biochemistry and are pioneers in all areas of biophysics, structural biology, biochemistry, and protein engineering and design. Please explore our programs further at https://biochem.uchicago.edu/. 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 Research Technician will support research projects to test the role of novel ion channels and transporters identified in various genetic screens and study the immune responses by innate and adaptive immune cells. Experiments will utilize a suite of cellular and molecular biology techniques, murine models of infection, autoimmunity and cancer.
Highly successful applicants are independent, have a drive to succeed, are genuinely excited about the research, and can work positively as part of the lab team. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with advanced lab and analytic methods and be supported in career development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular dynamics simulations of proteins using replica exchange protocols.
• Develop high throughput methods to analyze 1000’s of protein folding trajectories including their hydrogen exchange patterns by programming in python.
• Coordinate transfer of mass spectroscopy data from the Rocklin Group (Northwestern) to Sosnick Group (UChicago).
• Maintain data base of mass spectroscopy data.
• Design statistical methods to evaluate agreement between mass spectroscopy data and simulations, in particular, the protein thermodynamics and dynamics.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness 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 a college or university degree in related field.
-
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
-
Certifications:
-
Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry, biophysics or related area.

Experience:

• Familiarity with the analysis of protein folding simulations through programing using iPython notebooks.
• Knowledge of protein chemistry and thermodynamics.
• Experience in protein visualization.
• Experience in bioinformatics.

Preferred Competencies

• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Problem solving skills and adaptability to changes in technological and scientific directions.

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
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
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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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• Conduct molecular dynamics simulations of proteins using replica exchange protocols.
• Develop high throughput methods to analyze 1000’s of protein folding trajectories including their hydrogen exchange patterns by programming in python.
• Coordinate transfer of mass spectroscopy data from the Rocklin Group (Northwestern) to Sosnick Group (UChicago).
• Maintain data base of mass spectroscopy data.
• Design statistical methods to evaluate agreement between mass spectroscopy data and simulations, in particular, the protein thermodynamics and dynamics.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• Performs other related work as needed