Research Technical Assistant

University of Chicago

University of Chicago

IT
Chicago, IL, USA
USD 19.23-26.44 / hour
Posted on Jul 29, 2025

Department

BSD PAT - Koh Lab


About the Department

The Department of Pathology has a long and rich history of excellence in clinical service, training, and research. Our physicians and scientists are experts in a variety of subspecialties in anatomic pathology, laboratory medicine, genomics and molecular pathology, investigational pathology, and immunology. Our diverse faculty study and diagnose patient disease and medical conditions using state-of-the-art methodologies. We invite you to browse our website to learn more about our rich offerings of clinical services, education, and research. https://pathology.uchicago.edu/.

Within the Department of Pathology, the Koh Laboratory focuses on understanding how the immune system can mount specific responses to ever-changing pathogens and cancers while maintaining tolerance to self. We employ an interdisciplinary approach combining genetics, genomics, and biochemistry, at organismal to single-cell resolution.


Job Summary

The Research Technical Assistant is an integral member of the lab whose contributions will be multi-faceted, with opportunities to support on-going projects as well as to pursue independent projects, ultimately culminating in authorships for publications. This position will work closely with the principal investigator to learn and execute a broad range of biological techniques including PCR, molecular cloning, animal husbandry, cell culture, western blot, flow cytometry, and single-cell genomics. The position also involves contributing to general lab organization, such as ordering, restocking supplies, making common reagents, and record-keeping, etc.

Ideal candidates are highly motivated individuals and may be a recent college graduate who is interested in cutting-edge research experience prior to graduate or medical school. We offer a diverse, collaborative research environment with access to many career development resources.

Responsibilities

  • Molecular cloning, cell culture, biochemical recruitment assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, western blots.
  • Tissue harvest, flow cytometry, single-cell genomics (ATAC-seq, RNA-seq), library construction, next-gen sequencing.
  • Animal husbandry, genotyping, record-keeping.
  • Order and organize laboratory supplies, instruments and equipment.
  • Assist in preparing data for presentation and publications.
  • This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.
  • Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
  • Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
  • Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).


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 or physical sciences or engineering.
  • Significant laboratory coursework.

Experience:

  • Background with techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, and animal studies.

Preferred Competencies

  • Attention to detail and ability to focus on dedicated tasks for extended periods.
  • Strong communication skills with ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong organizational skills with detailed record-keeping.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Working Conditions

  • Lab environment.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (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

Yes


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Hourly


FLSA Status

Non-Exempt


Pay Range

$19.23 - $26.44

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.