Temporary Research Assistant

Department

BSD E&E Carley Lab

About the Department

The Department of Ecology & Evolution (E&E) hosts diverse faculty and student interests in the ecological and evolutionary processes that underlie patterns of life on earth. The research interests of our faculty include population genetics, molecular evolution, quantitative genetics, animal behavior, plant and animal ecology, evolutionary theory, systematic paleontology, and related subjects. A common theme in E&E is the application of quantitative techniques and current technologies to probe the conceptual foundations of ecology and evolution.

Job Information

Job Summary:

Temporary Research Assistant will assist with data collection, data analysis, and other research-related tasks in the lab and greenhouse. The Research Assistant will be involved in data collection and preliminary analysis alongside a team of researchers.

Responsibilities: 

• This job provides support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research, and analysis under direction. 

• Performs data collection in support of research projects under direct supervision. 

• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents. 

• Complies with institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. 

• Performs other related work as needed.

​Competencies: 

• Familiarity with principles, methods, and literature related to plant evolutionary genetics and chemical ecology of plant-insect interactions.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. 

• Ability to collaborate with others, both on internal teams and with external partners. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Ability to learn new lab protocols and apply them at scale (e.g. genotyping thousands of plants from existing tissue samples).

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High school diploma required.

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience:

• Prior experience with basic molecular biology wet lab skills including DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis preferred.

• Experience maintaining and handling living plant and insect collections preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Laboratory Environment.

• Greenhouse Environment.

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Temporary Staff

Scheduled Weekly Hours

24

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Pay Frequency

Hourly

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

​
FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

​
Pay Range

$24.00

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

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal 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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