What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Research Specialist -Department of Microbiology and Immunology position at University of Illinois Chicago?
Hiring Department: Microbiology and Immunology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1040347
Posting Close Date: For fullest consideration, please upload a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three references by 5pm 5/1/2026
Salary:
The salary range of employees currently holding equivalent positions is $43,888 to $55,000.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
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.
The University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, is seeking a highly motivated and organized Visiting Research Specialist to work in the laboratory of Dr. Rong on research related to antiviral development. The research specialist will assist with both day-to-day laboratory operations and ongoing research projects. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in gaining hands-on research experience in virology, molecular biology, and cell biology within a collaborative academic research environment.
Job Duties
Laboratory Operations and Maintenance
Order laboratory supplies and reagents and coordinate purchasing requests from lab members.
Maintain chemical and biological inventory records and manage laboratory stock.
Manage and organize freezer, liquid nitrogen tank, and sample databases to ensure proper sample tracking and storage.
Receive, log, and ship laboratory materials, reagents, and biological samples as needed.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and coordinate repair or servicing of laboratory instruments and equipment.
Organize laboratory space, including reagents, shared equipment, and storage areas.
Prepare common laboratory reagents, buffers, and solutions.
Research Support
Perform laboratory experiments and assist with data collection and basic data analysis to facilitate research projects.
Maintain accurate experimental records and assist with data organization.
Assist with preparation of figures, datasets, and experimental summaries for presentations and publications.
Conduct independent experiments under supervision and contribute to ongoing research projects.
Receive training in virology, molecular biology, and cell culture techniques.
Contribute to a collaborative research environment and provide support to lab members when needed.
Professional Development Opportunities
Opportunity to gain extensive hands-on research experience in virology and molecular biology.
Potential opportunity for co-authorship on scientific publications depending on research contributions.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related life science field and 3 years’ experience. The candidate should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining accurate records. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment, along with good communication skills and a willingness to learn new experimental techniques, is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior laboratory research experience is preferred. Experience with molecular biology, cell culture, or virology techniques is highly desirable. Familiarity with laboratory inventory systems, ordering systems, or sample tracking databases is also beneficial. This position is particularly well suited for candidates interested in gaining research experience before pursuing graduate school, medical school, or other advanced research training.
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: 1040347
Posting Close Date: For fullest consideration, please upload a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three references by 5pm 5/1/2026
Salary:
The salary range of employees currently holding equivalent positions is $43,888 to $55,000.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
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.
The University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, is seeking a highly motivated and organized Visiting Research Specialist to work in the laboratory of Dr. Rong on research related to antiviral development. The research specialist will assist with both day-to-day laboratory operations and ongoing research projects. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in gaining hands-on research experience in virology, molecular biology, and cell biology within a collaborative academic research environment.
Job Duties
Laboratory Operations and Maintenance
Order laboratory supplies and reagents and coordinate purchasing requests from lab members.
Maintain chemical and biological inventory records and manage laboratory stock.
Manage and organize freezer, liquid nitrogen tank, and sample databases to ensure proper sample tracking and storage.
Receive, log, and ship laboratory materials, reagents, and biological samples as needed.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and coordinate repair or servicing of laboratory instruments and equipment.
Organize laboratory space, including reagents, shared equipment, and storage areas.
Prepare common laboratory reagents, buffers, and solutions.
Research Support
Perform laboratory experiments and assist with data collection and basic data analysis to facilitate research projects.
Maintain accurate experimental records and assist with data organization.
Assist with preparation of figures, datasets, and experimental summaries for presentations and publications.
Conduct independent experiments under supervision and contribute to ongoing research projects.
Receive training in virology, molecular biology, and cell culture techniques.
Contribute to a collaborative research environment and provide support to lab members when needed.
Professional Development Opportunities
Opportunity to gain extensive hands-on research experience in virology and molecular biology.
Potential opportunity for co-authorship on scientific publications depending on research contributions.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related life science field and 3 years’ experience. The candidate should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining accurate records. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment, along with good communication skills and a willingness to learn new experimental techniques, is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior laboratory research experience is preferred. Experience with molecular biology, cell culture, or virology techniques is highly desirable. Familiarity with laboratory inventory systems, ordering systems, or sample tracking databases is also beneficial. This position is particularly well suited for candidates interested in gaining research experience before pursuing graduate school, medical school, or other advanced research training.
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 : $43,888 - $55,000