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Staff Scientist

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/20/2026
Department

BSD MIC - Chen Lab

About The Department

The Jueqi Chen Research Lab, within the Department of Microbiology, focuses on the molecular mechanisms and functionalities of innate immunity and inflammation, with diverse approaches in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and immunology. 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 leads scientific research projects within the Jueqi Chen Research Lab, taking primary responsibility for designing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and contributing to publications and grant proposals. They provide technical expertise, mentor junior researchers, and support continuity across the lab’s research efforts.

Responsibilities

  • Leads research projects and participate in manuscript writing.
  • Analyzes experimental data.
  • Develops and performs assays in cell biology, biochemistry, and microbiology.
  • Establishes and cultures mammalian cell lines.
  • Performs work in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions and animal facilities.
  • Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
  • Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
  • Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
  • Trains new laboratory personnel.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Education

Minimum Qualifications

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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

Certifications



  • Working Conditions

    • Lab Environment.

    Application Documents

    • Resume (required)
    • Cover Letter (preferred)

    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

    Yes

    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.

    Salary : $70,000 - $90,000

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