Senior Research Analyst
The University of Chicago

Department
BSD DFI - Biobank

About the Department
The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) at the University of Chicago is using cutting-edge technologies and developing facilities to accelerate clinical research and introduce novel interventions that optimize microbiome-mediated host defenses, with the goal of enhancing human health. By developing new knowledge about the interactions between the human body and the microbiome, the DFI is breaking new ground in therapies that will increase resistance to a wide range of diseases.

Job Summary
The job participates in scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

The Sr. Research Analyst is an individual contributor in the DFI, recognized for subject matter expertise and serving as a resource to colleagues, reporting to the Sr. Bioprocess Development Manager. This role is pivotal in the microbial characterization of symbiotic commensal bacterial strains for manufacturing as a live biotherapeutic product in early-stage clinical development.

Responsibilities

• Trains and mentors new junior laboratory staff to ensure effective planning and execution; contributes to the development of laboratory policies, procedures, and methods for experimentation; and supports risk assessment and management activities.
  
• Contributes to the development and validation of novel laboratory research methods, including defined gut microbiome mediums, bacterial growth kinetics, bioreactor optimization, and metabolomic and metagenomic characterization of commensal bacterial strains.
  
• Supports the creation of new analytical approaches for live biotherapeutic products, including MALDI-TOF analyses of multi-species consortia.
  
• Ensures adherence to institutional and regulatory policies and procedures.
  
• Maintains laboratory equipment, such as anaerobic chambers, microbial plate readers, bioreactors, MALDI-TOF instruments, and microscopes.
  
• Conducts gnotobiotic and SPF mouse experiments, including oral gavage, intravenous injections, dissections, and fecal collection.
  
• Leads organization and management of the symbiotic strain bank freezer inventory and fulfills commensal bacterial strain requests for internal and external stakeholders, including receipt and dispatch of biological shipments.
  
• Documents, compiles, and helps interpret experimental research data; assists in preparing presentations, SOPs and scientific reports based on laboratory findings.
  
• Handles ordering and procurement of laboratory supplies.
  
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
  
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Experience with Windows-based operating systems and common software programs such as Microsoft Office suite and electronic lab notebooks (e.g. eLab).
  
• Experience cultivating, characterizing, and preserving anaerobic microorganisms.
  
• Experience working with and maintaining anaerobic chambers and glove boxes.
  
• Experience in bacterial kinetics, bioreactor operation, microscopy, MALDI-TOF, and gnotobiotic mouse models.
  
• Experience working with mice.
  
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools (e.g. R-script).
  

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
  
• Exceptional multi-tasking and time-management skills.
  
• Exceptional record keeping, organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail.
  
• Mature, reliable, and professional demeanor.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
  
• Adaptable to changing working situations and assignments.
  
• Strong desire to learn.
  
• Ability to train others.
  
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.
  

Working Conditions

• Physically capable of moving, connecting, and disconnecting gas cylinders.
  

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
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$60,000.00 - $80,000.00
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.

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