Senior Research Technician

Department BSD MED - Gastroenterology - Cheng Research Staff About the Department The Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology at The University of Chicago is consistently ranked among the best specialty nationally by U.S News and World Report. With nearly 30 specialists on staff, our program plays a leading role in the understanding of digestive diseases and in developing innovative and successful treatments for patients. Since forming the nation’s first full-time department of gastroenterology in 1927, our physicians have continually improved treatments for digestive tract and related disorders by combining medical research, education, and patient care at the highest level. Job Summary The Section of Gastroenterology is looking for a Senior Research Technician with a strong background in microbiology to join our interdisciplinary team to help design and perform research experiments. The lab of Dr. Eugene Chang is seeking a highly motivated senior research technician to characterize mouse gut microbiome metabolism, to isolate mouse gut microbial strains from gut communities, to prepare gut microbial communities for experimentation, to prepare samples for genetic analyses (bulk and single cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, and spatial metabolomics) on mouse gut microbiota as well as mouse tissues, to conduct mouse husbandry and maintain mouse colonies, to maintain mouse and/or human organoid lines, and to use high-resolution microscopy. These activities will facilitate our laboratory goals of understanding how our gut microbiomes modulate disease. The primary duties will be to design and execute cellular and mouse experiments, and some data analysis. The Technician will also be responsible for preparing microbial samples for next generation metagenomic and 16S sequencing and metabolomics. Our ideal Technician will have exceptional work ethic and organizational skills, comfortable with autonomy, and stay up to date on recent advances in microbiota research. This position offers training in aerobic and anaerobic microbiology, host- and microbial-specific techniques, next-generation sequencing analysis, and the opportunity to participate in extensive academic collaborations with national and international labs. You will be joining an inclusive and supportive group whose mission is to advance both the science and team! Responsibilities Prepares microbial cultures and microbial communities for transplantation. Works with SPF and germ-free mice. Designs, prepares and sets up mouse experiments. Harvests tissue and microbial samples from mice. Analyzes experimental data, including bulk and single cell genomic sequencing, and metabolomics. Performs histological staining and microscopic imaging of mouse tissue. Collaborates with staff scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students to design and assemble custom synthetic microbial communities for experimentation. Supports scientific and research programs related to basic science and translational research about the mouse or human gut microbiome; analyzes data, monitors and oversees experimental processes, and designs and develops assays, specialized equipment, and/or systems. Supervises maintenance of cryo-stock database and quality control of cryo-stocks and microbial communities. Maintains mouse colonies and human/mouse cell lines. Maintains documentation related to research studies and protocols. Modifies, repairs, and troubleshoots experimental systems. Oversees the work of technicians and staff associated with the group/projects and provides guidance to technicians, operators, and others as needed. Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other University staff; serves as a resource, providing training and practical guidance. Communicates progress or problems to PIs or managers routinely. Attends and contributes to discussions during lab meetings. Makes contributions to lab management by ordering equipment and supplies, generating reagents, and ensuring lab compliance with safety and animal welfare regulations. 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: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: Master’s degree in b iology or related field. Experience: Familiar with using mice as an experimental model. Familiar with sterile and microbiological techniques. Overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group. Industry experience is a plus. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge and skills of basic and advanced laboratory techniques, biochemical/cellular biological principles and practices. Work with project management tools.  Preferred Competencies Adhere to protocol and thoroughly perform quality control measures. Practice rigorous scientific documentation and inventory management. Exceptional work ethic and self-starter attitude with demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of assigned projects and processes. Effectively collaborate with senior engineering and scientific staff to design, develop, and implement custom protocols for strain grow