Research Technician

University of Chicago

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL, USA
USD 50k-70k / year
Posted on Jun 13, 2025

Department

BSD ACC - McGehee Lab


About the Department

The mission of the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care is to: Provide outstanding compassionate patient care; educate each other and the next generation of physicians and scientists; be leaders in scholarship, discovery and innovation; and to bring out the best in all with whom we work.


Job Summary

The Research Technician will undertake biomedical research to test mechanisms of pain modulation. The position will also utilize mouse models for in vivo and in vitro studies of treatments that alter pain signaling.

For a summary of lab research see https://mcgeheelab.uchicago.edu.

Responsibilities

  • Conducts mouse surgical procedures to express optogenetic and fiber photometry probes for manipulating and monitoring neural activity in specific brain areas.

  • Conducts behavioral research to test pain relief through manipulations of cholinergic signaling. These studies will require conducting survival surgery using stereotaxic methods focal infusion of viral vectors. Experiments involve monitoring mice using fiber optic monitoring and offline analysis using computer software.

  • Monitors health, care, genotyping, breeding and ordering of animals in rat and mouse colonies.

  • Maintains laboratory records and general lab maintenance; ensures adequate stocks of laboratory supplies; places orders for laboratory supplies; and monitors deliveries.

  • Oversees and trains undergraduate research assistants.

  • Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

  • Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

  • 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 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field.

Experience:

  • Research experience with animal behavioral methods.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Knowledge in relevant scientific field.

  • Knowledge of research techniques or methods.

  • Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Competencies

  • Analytical skills.

  • Problem-solving skills.

  • Attention to detail.

  • Organizational skills.

  • Verbal and written communication skills.

  • Work independently and as part of a team.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)

  • Cover Letter (required)


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

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00

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.