Research Technician

Department

PSD Chemistry: Dickinson Group

About the Department

The Dickinson research group is driven by the idea that chemistry is the key to unlocking biology. We design and evolve functional molecules from the ground up, creating tools to probe, control, and engineer biological systems, opening new frontiers in both basic science and biotechnology.

Job Summary

The Research Technician will support ongoing research projects in genetically encoded library construction and maintenance, high-throughput screening, and novel screening method development. The successful candidate will conduct molecular biology and biochemistry experiments, assist with screening, assay optimization and troubleshooting, manage laboratory workflows, and maintain detailed experimental records. This position is well-suited for a detail-oriented, organized individual eager to gain experience in a fast-paced research environment at the intersection of biochemistry, chemical biology, and technology development.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced molecular biology experiments, including molecular cloning and large-scale genetically encoded library construction and maintenance.
• Execute high-throughput screening experiments.
• Perform biochemical assays for molecular interaction characterization.
• Conduct cell-based assays for intracellular validation of screening hits.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and experimental materials; maintain accurate records of reagent preparation and sample processing.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory notebooks (paper or electronic), ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Contribute to data organization, preliminary analysis, figure preparation, and summary reports for internal lab use.
• Collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other lab members to support shared research.
• 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).

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

Education:         

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, chemistry, or a related field.

Experience:       

• Hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry).
• Proficiency in core molecular biology techniques such as pipetting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction, and basic cloning.
• Experience with maintaining accurate experimental records and following lab protocols with consistency.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a research environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, especially for multi-step protocols and sample tracking.

Preferred Competencies

• Prior experience working with display technologies (e.g., phage display, mRNA display, or related platforms).
• Experience with biomolecular interaction characterization (e.g., SPR, BLI, or FP).
• Experience with mammalian tissue or cell culture.
• Familiarity with protein design, structure prediction tools, and molecular visualization software (e.g., PyMOL, ChimeraX).

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time position based in a research laboratory environment. The role includes careful work, handling of biological samples, and adherence to laboratory safety practices.

Application Documents

• A brief cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience (required)
• Resume (required)
• References (preferred)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$24.62 - $26.67

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.

 

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