Research Scientist, Metabolomics
The University of Chicago

Department

BSD CCC - Metabolomics Platform

About the Department

The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is an integral component of the Biological Sciences Division (BSD). The BSD is the largest of four Divisions of the University and includes the Pritzker School of Medicine. UCCCC administers four established scientific programs, and the NCI-sponsored Cancer Center Support Grant provides funding for ten Shared Resources. The Comprehensive Cancer Center is comprised of over 190 faculty members from twenty departments with members currently being awarded over $47 million in total direct costs in peer-reviewed cancer research grants, and $28 million in non-peer reviewed grants and contracts. The activities of the Center are broad and varied, including research, training and education, communications, fundraising, marketing, clinical trials management and community outreach.

UCCCC has one of the largest cancer clinical trials programs in the country and in the Chicago area with nearly 500 adult and pediatric therapeutic trials actively accruing patients. Many of these studies are investigator-initiated, including Phase I or I/II trials, demonstrating UCCCC commitment to translate basic research findings to the clinic through proof-of-principle and early phase studies. UCCCC opens over 250 new trials each year and accrues approximately 900 participants to therapeutic trials each year

Job Summary

Recently UCCCC (University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center) has created a new metabolomics platform and it is part of a new BSD multi-omics facility. The Metabolomics Platform's mission is to provide both: (1) cutting-edge metabolomics services and (2) expertise in metabolomics research development and experimental design to researchers in the Division, the University, and the Chicago area. We are seeking a research scientist to aid in the facility's advancement, establish metabolite profiling methods using state-of-the-art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry systems, and perform routine metabolite sample preparation and analysis. Over time, research scientist will become experts in metabolite extraction from a wide variety of sample matrices, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method development and troubleshooting, quantitative analysis of metabolites, stable isotope tracing, and metabolomics data analysis.

We seek a Metabolomics -Research Scientist for the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center Metabolomics platform. This individual would directly report to the Metabolomics Platform Director and will have ample opportunity to grow and become an expert in metabolomics.

This position performs routine assignments that facilitate and promote a research project or contributes to the scientific direction of a research resource. Receives instruction, guidance, and direction from others.

Responsibilities

• Extracts metabolites from samples (cell culture, murine tissues, human biopsy and biofluids, etc.) and quantify concentration using LC-MS.
• Analyzes mass spec/metabolomics data using specialized software programs (Tracefinder, Compound Discoverer, Skyline etc.).
• Documents sample preparation, method development notes and data analysis results for the publication and reports.
• Prepares mobile phases, stock solutions, troubleshoot process failures and participate in optimization of protocols.
• Maintains inventory of lab supplies.
• Interacts with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the metabolomics platform director.
• Aids the metabolomics platform director in advancing the technologies and managing day-to-day workflow.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens.
• Conducts literature reviews.
• 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.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through ---
Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or related field.

Experience:

• Hands on experience with basic chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques (GC-MS or LC-MS, LC-MS/MS) for small molecule analysis.
• Background working in a research laboratory or core facility.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Prior work with Thermo LC-MS instrument is a plus, but not required.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and related software programs.

Preferred Competencies

• Adapt to fast-changing environments.
• Strong laboratory leadership skills, mult-tasking, time management band organization.

Working Conditions

• Bend, crouch, or stoop.
• Lift loads up tp 49lbs.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

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

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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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