Research Technician II
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

BSD SRF - Electron Microscopy - Research

About the Department

The Advanced Electron Microscopy Facility occupies over 2000 ft2 in the Gordon Center for Integrative Sciences (GCIS) and an additional 3000 ft2 of new space in the Franklin McLean Institute. The mission of the facility is to develop techniques for preserving cellular structure with the highest degree of reliability. These techniques involve different methods for rapidly freezing our samples in order to halt structural and biochemical activity in a very short time-frame, thus preserving structure in the 'live' state. Once the sample is preserved in the 'live' state, it is then possible to study the ultrastructure of these samples using not only basic Electron Microscopy imaging techniques, but also state-of the-art techniques such as: 1) 3-D electron tomography (cryo and plastic), 2) Single Particle Analysis (SPA), and 3) CLEM.

Job Summary

The job provides technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Under the supervision of the core technical director, the candidate will be responsible for various operational duties in the Advanced Electron Microscopy core including helping users, conducting research experiments, and tracking inventory.

Responsibilities

• Loads samples and provides operational guidance to users on day-to-day activities.
  
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders.
  
• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols. Collects data and monitors test results.
  
• 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.
  
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
  
• 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:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or field of study related to the research of the laboratory.
  

Experience:

• Experience working in a research laboratory or core facility.
  
• Previous experience using transmission and/or scanning electron microscopy.
  
• Experience working within a biomedical or electron microscopy-related research laboratory.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the desire to work in a service oriented environment.
  
• Strong computer and record keeping skills.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new technologies.
  
• Ability to work both independently (with minimal guidance) and as a team member.
  
• Ability to manage time efficiently and complete tasks on time.
  
• Ability to be on-time for scheduled appointments and adapt to unscheduled requests.
  

Working Conditions

• May require training related to occupational safety and health, environmental compliance (working with heavy metals), shipping of hazardous material (shipping cryo-samples).
  
• Working at a desk or sitting at a microscope.
  
• Ability to go up and down stairs.
  
• Ability to move wheeled LN2 tanks.
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover Letter (preferred)
  

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

Yes

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.

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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