Research Professional at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description

Department

BSD PED – Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation – Applebaum Lab

About the Department

The Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology provides comprehensive care for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with cancer and other hematologic diseases, requiring specialized knowledge and skills in Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation. In addition to patient care, clinical and translational research is conducted by faculty members in the Section, including laboratory-based, computational, and data-driven investigations.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago’s Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation in the Biological Sciences Division seeks a full-time Research Professional to support the research program of the Applebaum Lab.

The Applebaum Lab investigates the genomic and molecular mechanisms underlying high-risk neuroblastoma, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers to improve risk stratification and guide treatment selection. Current research areas include epigenetic regulation, chromatin remodeling, biomarker development, functional genomics, and computational approaches to pediatric cancer research.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Professional will participate in the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of research studies addressing fundamental and translational questions in pediatric cancer biology. The incumbent will perform experiments, collect and analyze research data, contribute to the development and promotion of research projects, and collaborate with investigators and research teams across academic organizations.

The position provides an opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary research projects spanning experimental biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and data science. The Research Professional will work with the Principal Investigator and research collaborators to develop and implement research strategies, analyze and interpret findings, prepare scientific reports and presentations, and contribute to grant applications and peer-reviewed publications.

The incumbent will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the scientific productivity of the laboratory through independent and collaborative research activities. Responsibilities may include developing experimental approaches, coordinating research activities, managing and analyzing datasets, maintaining accurate research records, preparing figures and reports, and communicating research findings to scientific and broader audiences.

This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments and collects, manages, analyzes, and interprets research data related to neuroblastoma using appropriate experimental, quantitative, computational, and statistical approaches.
• Participate in the design, development, and advancement of research projects, including studies involving functional genomics, epigenetics, biomarkers, molecular biology, and clinical or patient-derived datasets.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and laboratory personnel to develop and implement new research projects, coordinate activities, and advance research priorities.
• Contributes to the preparation and writing of grant applications, protocols, manuscripts, abstracts, and other scientific materials, including figures, data summaries, and research findings.
• Provides scientific, technical, and analytical support to research projects and contributes to the interpretation and evaluation of findings.
• May assist with training and mentoring students and research personnel in research methods, laboratory procedures, data analysis, and scientific practices.
• 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.
• Collaborates on development of new research projects with academic and community-based organizations.
• May present work at scientific meetings.
• 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 < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a related life science or quantitative field.

Experience:

• Experience in an academic laboratory setting.
• Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as CRISPR, CUT&RUN, epigenetic and epitranscriptomic assays evaluating analytes such as 5mC, 5hmC, and m6A.
• Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing experimental data using appropriate quantitative and statistical approaches, including data visualization.
• Experience contributing to the design, optimization, or execution of research projects, including interpretation and troubleshooting of results.
• Experience maintaining accurate and detailed research records and following established protocols and safety standards.
• Experience preparing scientific materials such as figures, data summaries, reports, abstracts, grants, or presentations.

Preferred Competencies

• Completed postdoctoral training with a strong publication record in relevant areas.
• Demonstrate proficiency in techniques including flow cytometry, mouse handling, and molecular biology and epigenetic methods.
• Possess strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory setting.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

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

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$60,000.00 – $80,000.00
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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