Staff Scientist

Department

PSD Chemistry: Moellering Group

About the Department

The Moellering group conducts research at the interface of Chemistry and Biology, with an eye towards understanding and intervening in human disease. We utilize techniques in synthetic chemistry, cell biology, and mass spectrometry to develop novel chemical probes, in-cell chemoproteomic platforms, and related technologies to study the dynamic interactions and complexity of the proteome and manipulate protein targets and their function. Ultimately our work helps to identify novel biological mechanisms underlying diseases, such as cancer, and to subsequently develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to impact these disorders.

Job Summary

The Moellering lab is seeking an experienced Staff Scientist who will be responsible for conducting hands-on research in addition to daily efforts to promote and manage the overall activities of a busy research group. This position is ideal for candidates who are experienced in balancing experimentation, data analysis, scientific writing/editing, and laboratory management. Principal contributions for both research and administrative duties are intellectual, characterized by originality and creativity. This role requires a demonstrated history in collaborative research, effective communication, the ability to follow standard protocols, and an aptitude for troubleshooting.

Research Responsibilities: Perform routine assignments that facilitate and promote a research project or contributes to the scientific direction of a research resource. This position will perform routine assignments related to scientific research projects, ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, and analyze possible solutions using standard procedures. Research project(s) will be developed under the direction of the Principal Investigator and will be focused on proteomic profiling in the context of cancer, design and synthesis of novel chemical probes, and/or establishment and implementation of -omics platforms for integrated biological characterization of disease-related samples. Demonstrated experience in at least one of these areas is required.

Administrative Responsibilities: Help manage daily operations of a busy research group with 15-plus researchers, including scientific editing, strategic and financial planning, annual progress reporting, and maintenance of safety and animal use protocols.

Responsibilities

• Helps develop, design, and conduct research projects according to plan including collecting, analyzing, and maintaining data and/or specimens.
• Compile documents and assists with interpreting experimental data and adjusting experimental protocols, including drafting presentations or reports stemming from scientific contributions in the laboratory.
• Reports data to supervisor and team, attends team meetings to share results, plan projects and experiments and ensures that projects support current team goals.
• Supervise and/or assist with training newer, less-experienced lab personnel to become proficient with routine procedures and protocols.
• Assists in maintaining and organizing lab space and inventory of laboratory supplies (ex maintains stock of reagents).
• Complete and compile GEMS reporting.
• Interacts with vendors to address equipment, reagent, or supply solutions, including working with all levels of staff to assist in evaluating new equipment.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Complies with the institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Duties include other administrative aspects of the research projects.
• Assisting with grant and manuscript preparations/submissions to include annual reports.
• Tracking project expenditures and research data management.
• Managing lab safety checklists, schedules, lab duty lists, lab maintenance and cleanup schedules; orienting new lab members.
• Arranging equipment repair calls.
• Overseeing the ordering of supplies, negotiate with vendors and manage maintenance of laboratory inventory.
• Perform and review website management.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

• --

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or Biology.

Experience:

• Significant relevant research experience, including postdoctoral experience.
• Experience working in higher education, academic, or industrial research environment.
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency in techniques across multiple fields, including analytical chemistry, quantitative proteomics, metabolomics, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of research techniques or methods for chemo-proteomics, metabolomics, post translational modification of proteins, biology of cancer and/or metabolic disease.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge in relevant scientific fields.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend scientific and technical literature, and methods to stay abreast of developments in the field.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team and interact with a diverse workforce.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with other lab personnel.
• Familiarity with quantitative mass spectrometry, chemical probe design and synthesis, proteomics, cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology are all highly desired. Experience in methods using animal models is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Adobe Illustrator and GraphPad Prism are a plus.

Working Conditions

• Standard research laboratory and office environments.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$75,000.00 - $90,000.00

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.

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