Department

BSD HGD - Ober Lab

About the Department

We investigate the fundamental principles of genetic variation, inheritance, and gene expression in humans. Our research spans from the molecular basis of diseases to population and evolutionary genomics, integrating computational, statistical, and experimental approaches to advance medical and scientific knowledge.

Job Summary

Research in the Ober Lab focuses on understanding the role of genetic variation and environmental exposures in shaping risk for asthma and allergic diseases, with the goal of identifying molecular targets for treatment or early intervention. To this end, we integrate genetic studies with gene expression and epigenetic marks (e.g., DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility) in cells that are relevant to asthma and allergy. Our studies are primarily conducted in birth cohorts of children who are deeply characterized with respect to their environmental exposures and/or clinical outcomes in early life and childhood, or in cross-sectional cohorts recruited for specific studies. This position will engage in laboratory research activities to generate molecular data as well as in the analysis and interpretation of those data.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• 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

Experience:

• Bench experience with molecular genetic tools (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA methylation studies) and with long read sequencing platforms

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a team

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (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

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 - $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.

 

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