Chemical Biologist

Department

PSD Chemistry: Moellering Group

About the Department

The Moellering Research group research is 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 platforms, tools, and 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 Chemical Biologist to work on projects including, but not limited to, proteomic profiling in the context of cancer biology. The job performs routine assignments that facilitate and promote a research project or contributes to the scientific direction of a research resource. This role requires a demonstrated history in collaborative research, effective communication, the ability to follow standard protocols, and an aptitude for troubleshooting. The ideal candidate should value continuous learning, building networks, and upholding the university's academic excellence to make meaningful contributions to advanced research pursuits. 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. Assists in drafting presentations, articles, reports, and manuscripts based on research findings in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design, and conduct research projects according to plan including collects, analyzes, and maintains data and/or specimens.
• Carries out small independent projects as well as bench-level experiments and techniques and computational work.
• Compile research information to assists with interpreting experimental data and adjusting experimental protocols, including drafting presentations or reports stemming from scientific contributions in the laboratory.
• Oversee and assist lab members with the complex technical duties in a laboratory doing non-clinical and as clinical research.
• Reports data to supervisor and team, attends team meetings to share results, plan projects and experiments and ensures that projects support current team goals.
• Transcribes and records data and develops the ability to contribute to data interpretation and analysis.
• Assists with training new 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).
• Interacts with vendors to address equipment, reagent, or supply solutions, including working with all levels of staff to assist in evaluating new equipment.
• Complies with the institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Conducts literature reviews. Assists with the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• Participates in the promotion of 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.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Develops laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage, analyze and make recommendations on complex data sets for research.
• 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, Biology, or related fields.

Experience:

• 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 relevant scientific fields.
• 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

• Problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• 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.
• 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.

Working Conditions

• Standard research laboratory and office environments.

Application Documents

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

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

$76,000.00 - $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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