Staff Scientist

About the Department

The Kenny/Lengyel laboratory is part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/ Section of Gynecologic Oncology, studying the biology of ovarian cancer. The laboratory has about 15 members that use cutting-edge methods, including spatial proteomics, spatial metabolomics, spatial transcriptomics, 3D organotypic cultures of human tissue, in vivo mouse models, spatiotemporal characterization of the immune system, and stable-isotype tracing in patients. Bioinformatic support and access to all Core facilities at the University of Chicago are available in the laboratory. We develop novel inhibitors to treat ovarian cancers, study biomarkers, histology, and imaging to diagnose ovarian cancers and detect ovarian cancers early, investigate the role of metabolism and methyltransferases in ovarian cancer metastasis, evaluate combinatorial therapeutics as ovarian cancer therapeutics, and examine the role of epithelial and stromal proteins and pathways in ovarian cancers development and progression.

Our translational research laboratory is in the Center for Integrated Science, a research building on campus that houses 40 independent research groups. 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 ovarian cancer research laboratory at the University of Chicago, led by Drs. Hilary Kenny and Ernst Lengyel (PIs), is seeking a staff scientist with expertise in bottom-up proteomics to advance plasma proteomics research and/or spatial proteomics (DVP).

Plasma Proteomics Project: This project aims to establish MS-based plasma proteomic methods capable of distinguishing between benign and malignant ovarian diseases. The ultimate objective is to identify and validate reliable biomarkers to support clinical decision-making, including early detection of tumor recurrence and assessment of chemotherapy response.

Spatial Proteomics Project: This project aims to use LC-MS/MS-based spatial proteomics (DVP) capable of identifying the origins, development, and response to standard and novel therapy treatment in ovarian cancer patients. The ultimate objective is to identify the origin of different ovarian cancers and effective therapies for individual ovarian cancer patients.

The projects involve active collaboration with the Matthias Mann Lab in Munich, and these projects are integrated within a multidisciplinary translational clinical team.

The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge instruments (e.g. Orbitrap Astral Zoom, EvoSep One, FAIMS, LMD7) and a large collection of clinically annotated samples, providing a strong foundation for the success of these projects. The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center includes more than 150 funded researchers dedicated to exploring all facets of cancer biology. The position offers a competitive salary, extensive fringe benefits (including supplements for health insurance and retirement) and a structured career development program.

https://obgyn.uchicago.edu/research/lengyelkenny-ovarian-cancer-laboratory

Responsibilities

• Train, mentor, and supervise laboratory personnel within the development subgroup, including instruction on new techniques, protocol adherence, and data integrity standards.
• Lead collaborative efforts to optimize proteomics methods, analytical modeling, and data interpretation across multidisciplinary and international partnerships.
• Serve as the primary contact for proteomics related collaborations, coordinating scientific priorities, troubleshooting technical challenges, and ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Ensure compliance of all research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including support for IRB protocols and human subject research standards.
• Serve as a scientific resource for data collection, experimental design, and complex data analysis, providing intellectual and technical expertise to advance project goals.
• Review and refine laboratory protocols, implement new methodologies, and manage complex, high dimensional research datasets.
• Lead and support scientific writing efforts, including preparation and revision of IRB protocols, peer reviewed publications, and federal and non federal grant submissions.
• Contribute to proofreading, fact checking, and scientific editing of manuscripts, grant applications, and professional presentations to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• 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.
• Performs 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, or related discipline/field.

Experience:

• 3-5 years hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS systems strongly preferred.
• LC-MS/MS, bottom-up proteomics, sample preparation including working with plasma or tissue samples, bioinformatics/data analysis tools, and experimental design strongly preferred.
• Strong academic background with a publication record in peer-reviewed journals strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge in proteomics, mass spectrometry, cancer biology, translational research, or related scientific disciplines.
• Proficiency in advanced research methodologies, including proteomic workflows, experimental design, data acquisition, and quantitative analysis.
• Strong understanding of regulatory policies and procedures governing human subjects research, including IRB requirements and institutional compliance standards.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex, high dimensional datasets and translate findings into meaningful scientific conclusions.
• Proven problem solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges, optimize methods, and refine analytical approaches.
• Exceptional attention to detail in experimental execution, data management, protocol development, and scientific documentation.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, collaborations, and regulatory timelines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to contribute to manuscripts, grant applications, protocols, and professional presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within multidisciplinary and international research teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with scientific data management and analysis platforms.
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to advancing shared research goals while maintaining accountability for individual deliverables.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a laboratory and research setting with routine exposure to biological specimens, chemicals, and standard laboratory equipment, in accordance with established safety protocols.
• Regular use of advanced proteomics and mass spectrometry instrumentation.
• Significant computer based work for data analysis, modeling, documentation, and scientific writing.
• Compliance with institutional safety standards, biosafety procedures, and regulatory requirements related to human subjects research.
• Ongoing collaboration with multidisciplinary research and clinical teams.
• Occasional schedule flexibility may be required to meet instrument availability and project deadlines.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

Yes

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

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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