Staff Scientist

PSD Chemistry: He Group

About the Department

One of the first departments founded at the University of Chicago was the Department of Chemistry. Since then, The University of Chicago has been the recipient of more than 73 Nobel Prize recipients, 15 of which came from the Department of Chemistry. Our current faculty have considerable strength in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as in interdisciplinary research that delves into biology, physics, and materials science.

Job Summary

The principal contribution of a Staff Scientist is leading translational research projects under mentorship of Dr. Chuan He in the Department of Chemistry. The He Lab group is looking for a highly experienced plant biologist who has previous research experience in RNA regulation in plant immunity and development in Arabidopsis and crops. The desired candidate will have a Ph.D. Degree in plant biology and previous postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in plant biology.

Responsibilities

• Operates in a highly collaborative mode with all members of the group and with others in the Institute and with off-campus collaborators.
• Under general supervision of principal investigator, supervise and/or assist with the complex technical duties in a laboratory doing non-clinical research.
• Compile documents and assists with interpreting presentations or reports stemming from scientific contributions in the laboratory.
• Gives frequent internal and occasional external talks and tutorials on the thinking and work progress.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Mentor and supervise lab technician and undergraduate students within the group.
• Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.
• 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

Certifications

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Preferred Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Biology, Molecular Biology, Plant Biology.

Experience

• Postdoctoral Scholar.
• Plant Biology experience.

Technical Knowledge or Skills

• Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant scientific fields.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate their scientific discoveries both in written publications and in talks.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• References (preferred)

• 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

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

$70,000.00 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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