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70k - 90k USD/year

Office

Cummings Life Sciences Center, United States

Full Time

Department

BSD MGC - Munro Lab

About The Department

Collectively, members of the Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology are engaged in investigating molecular aspects of biological phenomena that operate on a cellular scale. Faculty research employs a combination of advanced microscopy, genetic analysis, and molecular characterization to study the temporal and spatial mechanisms that underlie the essential functions of cells and of their interactions with other cells that are necessary for the regular development of multicellular organisms. Faculty use many of the field’s traditional model organisms in their work and are pushing into emerging model and non-model organisms that are proving uniquely valuable in particular studies. To learn more about our department, https://mgcb.uchicago.edu/about . 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 Staff Scientist will execute, facilitate, and promote advanced technical and scientific research projects; this position will combine the extensive use of molecular biology approaches (cloning, PCR, sequencing, etc.), biophysical manipulations, and advanced light microscopy, to develop and test hypotheses related to the dynamic control of multicellular tissue morphogenesis in ascidian embryos. We are seeking a candidate who recognizes the need for innovation and develops or incorporates advances in assay development.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and support research and operations in with the long-term goal of understanding the dynamical control of tissue morphogenesis during early development.
  • Design, develop, and test new experimental workflows, instruments, analysis, and/or reagents for research (including hardware, software, statistical methods, etc.).
  • Train and assist other lab users, as prescribed by the Principal Investigator, in various aspects of ascidian embryology, cell biological methods, molecular biology, microscopy, image processing and data analysis.
  • Participate in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-author scientific research manuscripts.
  • May present work at scientific meetings and provide peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
  • Perform other related work as needed, with respect to this and other related projects, data organization and management, procurement of research supplies, management of regulatory documents (IACUC/IBC).
  • Collaborate with other researchers as appropriate.
  • Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
  • Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
  • Trains new laboratory personnel.
  • Performs other related work as needed.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to train others.
  • Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.
  • Verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks under performance and time-related stress.
  • Weekend/Evening hours: Occasionally.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

  • Postdoctoral Training.

​Preferred Competencies

  • Attention To Detail.

  • Organizational Skills.

Working Conditions

  • Lab Environment.

Application Documents

  • Resume (Required)

  • Cover Letter (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

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​Flsa Status

Exempt

​Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

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.

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.

Staff Scientist

Office

Cummings Life Sciences Center, United States

Full Time

70k - 90k USD/year

September 19, 2025

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University of Chicago

UChicago