Research Technician / Research Lab Manager

Position Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Najla Arshad in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology in the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science invites applications for a full-time Research Technician/ Research Lab Manager. The Arshad lab uses molecular, cellular and proteomics approaches to understand immune regulation in cancer and infections at the molecular level with an emphasis on the role of chaperones in this process. Our basic science discoveries will inform the development of novel therapeutics, which is part of the translational research in the lab and includes clinical collaborations.

The Research Technician/ Research Lab Manager will conduct independent research, provide support to other researchers in the lab in a highly collaborative and supportive environment, and support the PI in administrative operations on a regular basis, outlined below. This position offers a motivated candidate an excellent opportunity to expand their skillset to include techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, cell culture (including CRISPR-Cas9 gene knock outs), proteomics, protein purification, and high-throughput methodologies such as CITE-Seq. Please submit a single PDF of your CV and a cover letter detailing your motivation to apply for this position and how it fits with your career goals.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation/ paid leave, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

The University encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups underrepresented in their field and those that can add new and valuable perspectives to the academic environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Carrying out research/benchwork independently or as part of a team.
• Overseeing lab cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and shipping and receiving.
• Ordering supplies managing lab inventory and reagent stocks.
• Preparing common buffers, media, and stock solutions.
• Maintaining laboratory protocols and ensuring the lab's compliance with necessary regulations, protocols, policies, licenses, safety inspections, and certifications as required (with the help of Dr. Arshad).

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.
• Must have proof of COVID 19 vaccination or a university approved exemption.

Required Education & Experience

• B.S. degree in molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry, immunology, or related fields.
• Familiarity with basic molecular biology lab techniques and practices either from college courses or internship experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Collegial attitude with a mindset to work patiently with a wide variety of people at all levels of experience and from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency with making solutions and media, operating, and calibrating a pH meter, running polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA and protein gels (SDS-PAGE).
• Experience with molecular or cellular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with chemical safety precautions such as ensuring that reagents are stored and handled properly.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint.)
• Strong organizational skills (record keeping and inventory management), attention to detail, and ability to plan effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with analysis of high throughput -omics data.
• Proficiency in lab techniques such as DNA/RNA prep, PCR, ELISA, Western blot, cloning, culturing bacteria, mammalian tissue culture and cell line maintenance, protein purification, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and make strategic decisions.
• Experience with grant and paper writing, preparation of data (figures) for publication and familiarity with GraphPad Prism.
• Track record of publications in a relevant field

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets