Department

PME Riesenfeld Lab

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu/) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary

The Riesenfeld group in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is seeking a full-time Research Specialist to support the day-to-day operational and research needs of complex research projects that involve working and supporting the research in the lab as needed. The candidate will engage in theoretical and programming-based research in computational biology, single-cell ‘omics-based and multimodal machine learning (ML), and, for the candidate with appropriate skills, quantum computing algorithms and software for applications in computational biology and biomedicine. The successful candidate will be highly motivated and have a strong academic and research track record. The selected individual will be part of a world-class scientific team, contribute to demanding research programs, and access state-of-the-art research facilities and learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

Conducts research and development in AI and ML areas of computational biology and economics analysis, potentially including quantum computing algorithms and software.Collaborates with internal and external students, scientists, researchers, programmers, and engineering teams.Contributes new ideas that can lead to new experiments and research grant proposals.Helps develop, design and conduct research projects, according to plan.With moderate supervision, manages research-related duties and tasks.Documents research efforts and software adequately for sharing with the PI and lab members.Helps disseminate research results in high-impact journals and conferences.Conducts periodic training for current or new members of the research group.Recognizes abnormal or potentially abnormal results and communicates about them and sets up procedures to investigate and correct problems.Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.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 a related field such as computer science, chemistry, biology, physics, applied math, etc.

Experience:

Possess experience in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills, including attention to detail.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Basic computer proficiency, including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.Basic programming in a few coding languages.Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.Basic computer programming and debugging proficiency, ideally in multiple languages.Proficient on a computer cluster and ideally programming with GPU nodes.

Preferred Competencies

Knowledge of relevant scientific fields and procedures.Work both independently and in collaboration with other lab personnel.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.Work independently and collaboratively with other lab personnel.Familiarity with first principles simulation techniques.Assist in training lab personnel.

Working Conditions

Laboratory environment.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $55,000.00

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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