Staff Scientist

Department

PSD Chemistry: Dickinson Group

About the Department

One of the first departments founded at the University of Chicago was the Department of Chemistry. Since then, The University of Chicago has been the recipient of more than 73 Nobel Prize recipients, 15 of which came from the Department of Chemistry. Our current faculty have considerable strength in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as in interdisciplinary research that delves into biology, physics, and materials science.

Job Summary

We are seeking a staff scientist to join the Dickinson Group within the Chemistry department to oversee daily operations of the Biologics Discovery Core lab. This role with provide hands on experience delivering analysis involving protein binding technology for a variety of research projects in collaboration with the private investigator. The ideal candidate will need demonstrated leadership and scientific expertise from previous postdoctoral experience, working in a wet lab and university setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of Biologics Discovery Core in collaboration with core director.
• Provides scientific expertise and leadership in performing and delivering analysis involving protein binding technology for a variety of research projects in collaboration with investigators.
• Oversees the financial, planning, compliance and other administrative aspects of all research conducted in the core.
• Participates in scientific discussions and provides input regarding experimental design, new technological development, and innovation centered on the core’s research themes/studies.
• Develops and enforces applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality control, biosafety, and equipment maintenance.
• Works closely with other research staff, to ensure timely completion of research studies.  Trains, helps expand the core’s capabilities and brings in users. Mentors and trains research technologists, students and postdocs facilitating their technical growth and development.
• Interacts and collaborates with other OSRF core Directors, faculty and trainees. Builds strong partnerships with other cores, leading new projects, better workflows, and workshops that benefit researchers. Ensures alignment with BSD/institutional goals, offering strategic input on experimental design and execution.
• Contributes to data interpretation and protocol optimization.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to plan experiments and align work with project goals.
• Compile documents and assist with interpreting presentations or reports stemming from scientific contributions in the laboratory.
• Assist in training junior laboratory personnel and maintaining laboratory organization and inventory.
• Mentor and supervise lab technician and undergraduate students within the group.
• Support preparation of presentations, reports, grant applications, and scientific manuscripts.
• Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.
• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• May present work at scientific meetings.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Develops laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage, analyze and make recommendations on complex data sets for research.
• Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications: 

Education:         

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biology, Molecular Biology.

Experience:       

• Previous postdoc experience in Chemical Biology.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant scientific fields.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend scientific and technical literature, and methods to stay abreast of developments in the field.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team and interact with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate their scientific discoveries both in written publications and in talks.

Working Conditions

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

Application Documents

• CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• 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

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$100,000.00 - $120,000.00

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.

 

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