What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist - Natural Sciences position at University of Illinois Chicago?
Hiring Department: Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1040350
Posting Close Date: 05/16/2026
Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $50,000 - $75,000.00 / Annual Salary
About The University Of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
This position contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Performs complex laboratory and data collection techniques.
Research technician duties will include general laboratory management and experimental work on the development and implementation of novel optogenetic and chemogenetic tools for the regulation of proteins in living cells and animal models. Responsibilities will include assisting with and conducting experiments in mouse models, and maintaining a mouse colony.
Duties & Responsibilities
Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field. Experience performing small animal surgeries is preferred but not required.
Position requires excellent knowledge and experience in working with mouse models, mouse colony maintenance, immunoprecipitation, protein electrophoresis and western blot analysis, biochemical assays and tissue culture maintenance. Must have the ability to work independently, design, plan, perform and troubleshoot the experiments, analyze results and prepare an organized report for the PI. High level multitasking abilities, basic computing, and excellent communication and organizational skills are required.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1040350
Posting Close Date: 05/16/2026
Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $50,000 - $75,000.00 / Annual Salary
About The University Of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
This position contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Performs complex laboratory and data collection techniques.
Research technician duties will include general laboratory management and experimental work on the development and implementation of novel optogenetic and chemogenetic tools for the regulation of proteins in living cells and animal models. Responsibilities will include assisting with and conducting experiments in mouse models, and maintaining a mouse colony.
Duties & Responsibilities
- general laboratory management
- experimental work on the development and implementation of novel optogenetic and chemogenetic tools for the regulation of proteins in living cells and animal models
- assisting with and conducting experiments in mouse models, and maintaining a mouse colony.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
- A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
- Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
- Proficient in specific lab research techniques.
Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field. Experience performing small animal surgeries is preferred but not required.
Position requires excellent knowledge and experience in working with mouse models, mouse colony maintenance, immunoprecipitation, protein electrophoresis and western blot analysis, biochemical assays and tissue culture maintenance. Must have the ability to work independently, design, plan, perform and troubleshoot the experiments, analyze results and prepare an organized report for the PI. High level multitasking abilities, basic computing, and excellent communication and organizational skills are required.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Salary : $50,000 - $75,000