Job Overview:

The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) at the University of Chicago investigates the role of the microbiome in resistance and susceptibility to infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. The microbiome consists of complex populations of microbes that can be characterized by DNA and RNA sequencing. Technicians in the DFI Microbiome Metagenomic core laboratory are involved in the isolation and characterization of microbial DNA and RNA from experimental and clinical samples in preparation for next-generation sequence analysis. Skills that technicians are likely to acquire in the laboratory include DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, library quantification, PCR amplification and quantitative PCR. The ideal candidate will work under the supervision of the DFI Microbiome Metagenomics director in accordance with established institutional policies and laboratory procedures. This is an entry-level position with a focus on molecular biology and next-generation sequencing.

If you have a passion for science and a strong attention to detail, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Aliquot and prepare experimental and clinical samples for freezing.
• Extract DNA and RNA from samples and precisely quantify concentrations.
• Library preparation for next-generation sequencing- Amplicon, DNA and RNA-seq for Illumina platforms.
• Utilization of an automated liquid handling robotic system.
• Work both independently and in a team-based environment
• Analyze sequence data using specialized statistical software programs.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Installs, 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.

Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field (e.g., biology, chemistry, or biochemistry)
- Strong knowledge of laboratory procedures and techniques
- Experience working in a research laboratory is preferred
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques is a plus
- Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Join our team as a Laboratory Technician and contribute to groundbreaking research in the field of microbiome metagenomics. We offer opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative work environment. Apply today to be part of our dedicated team!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60637: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person