Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

The Research Scientist will perform lab work in the Immune Deviation & Disease Neighborhood. The lab investigates the role of mast cells and fibroblasts in driving inflammation and scarring in Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).The candidate should be highly motivated with experience working in a translational/basic science laboratory setting using wet lab tools to define biological mechanism ideally associated with mucosal inflammation, allergic inflammation, or fibrosis. The Research Scientist should have considerable experience in all aspects of laboratory immunology and molecular biology research. Design, optimization and execution of experiments aligned with the lab mission and through reading literature is vital.

Proficiency in murine skills required: breeding, handling, oral gavage, intraperitoneal administration, cardiac puncture, topical (skin) application, and dissection. Proficiency in spectral flow cytometry is required including use of BD machines (e.g. FACS Symphony A3/A5/S6), high-parameter spectral panel design, troubleshooting, optimization of antibody dilution and gating using FMOs, sorting, and FlowJo analysis. The candidate should be willing to learn new machines (e.g. BD FACS Discover S8, BD FACS Symphony A5). The candidate should be able to work with research technician to complete experiments. The candidate should be proficient in RNA/DNA/protein isolation, RT-PCR, western blot/ELISA, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, and cell culture including suspension and/or adherent human/murine cells. The candidate should be willing to new techniques (e.g. Crispr, air liquid interface, organoids). The candidate should have a strong ability to troubleshoot and collaborate with faculty members in the performance and analysis of complex research studies and acquisition of new skills.

The candidate should be able to coordinate with 1) core facilities, 2) clinical research coordinator and 3) research technician. The candidate should be able to complete mathematical calculations, computer tasks, & assist in judging the validity of data. The candidate should be able to follow protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, good clinical & laboratory practices. Manuscript writing is critical, and the candidate should have interest in grant writing. The candidate will maintain an agenda, lab notebook and project-based PowerPoints which will be presented at lab meeting and seminars.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintains understanding of goals/aims of project(s) and mission of lab.
• Performs literature search and critically reads scientific literature.
• Designs, optimizes, troubleshoots, performs, and analyzes experiments.
• Multi-tasks between at least 2 projects.
• Designs flow panels for BD Spectral flow analyzer/sorter, optimizes antibody dilution and gating with FMOs, runs samples, troubleshoots issues, analyzes data on FlowJo.
• Performs EoE animal models that require topical application, gavage and/or intraperitoneal administration. Dissects mice to obtain the esophagus and works with technician and core facilities to process the esophagus for analysis.
• Works with technician to complete experiments.
• Sterile technique with culture of mast cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells.
• Performs/designs air liquid interface and/or organoids experiments.
• Performs RNA/DNA/Protein Isolation, RT-PCR, ELISA/Western Blot, Immunohistochemistry & Immunofluorescence.
• Performs dissociation of esophageal biopsies to single cell suspension.
• Design/troubleshoot experiments with PI to be conducted by technician.
• Presents at lab meeting and seminars.
• Maintains lab notebook and PowerPoint for each project.
• Communicates effectively with PI, lab personnel, and research coordinator.
• Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts, and publications.
• Works with lab personnel to track/summarize lab supplies/expenses, verify accuracy of invoices, place orders and maintain log of samples, reagents, mice, and supplies.

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in public health or related field, Ph.D. preferred.
• Seven (7) plus years of experience with a wide range of research methodologies, statistical procedures, and progressively more complex analytic methodologies.
• Four (4) plus years of experience working with complex data systems, either administrative data or data collected for research or public health purposes.
• Demonstrated effective leadership capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills. Ability to display complex data analyses in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Ability to facilitate complex conversations with multiple stakeholders to define and carry out analytic projects effectively.
• Experience working with a diverse group of people preferred.
• Able to work with PI and lab personnel to design/optimize/troubleshoot/interpret work preferred.
• Able to follow/write protocols and perform experiments independently and with others preferred.
• Able to maintain a lab notebook and present project-based PowerPoints at lab meeting preferred.
• Able to work independently, and with other lab members preferred.
• Excellent command of the English language and the ability to communicate effectively preferred.
• Contributes intellectually and strategically to lab priorities and experiments with the theme of the research goals of the laboratory preferred.
• Experience with RNA/DNA techniques, sterile technique with cell culture, IHC/IFpreferred.
• Proficient working with mice to conduct animal models including topical application, gavage, intra-peritoneal administration preferred.
• Proficient using BD spectral flow cytometers/sorters, Able to design high parameter spectral panels, optimize antibody dilution and gating strategy with FMOs, running samples, perform FlowJo analysis preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively with a team and coordinate with core facilities preferred.
• Proficient in manuscript writing, willingness to learn grant writing preferred.
• Strong organizational skills (e.g. multi-task and track inventory/samples/ordering)preferred.
• Ability to establish priorities and react promptly to a large variety of requests preferred.
• Ability to keep workplace clean and organized preferred.

Education

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability

• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage

• Tuition assistance

• Student loan servicing and support

• Adoption benefits

• Backup Childcare and Eldercare

• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members

• Discount on services at Lurie Children's facilities

• Discount purchasing program

There's a Place for You with Us

At Lurie Children's we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints - recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.

Lurie Children's and its affiliatesare equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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