Research Analyst

Department

BSD PAT - Nagler Lab

About the Department

The Nagler Laboratory studies propose that the increasing prevalence of food allergies and other NCCDs can be explained, in part, by alterations in the composition and function of the commensal microbiome. In support of this hypothesis, we described a role for mucosa-associated intestinal bacteria in the Clostridia class in protection from allergic sensitization in mice. We showed that the composition of the fecal microbiota is altered in infants with cow’s milk allergy.

When we colonized germ-free mice with bacteria from the feces of healthy or cow’s milk allergic (CMA) infants we found that mice colonized with CMA infants’ microbiota exhibited an anaphylactic response to a cow’s milk allergen, while mice colonized with healthy infants’ microbiota were protected against an allergic response. Analysis of differences in composition between our human fecal donors allowed us to develop a microbiota signature that distinguishes the CMA and healthy populations in both the human donors and the colonized mice. We confirmed and extended our findings in the infant study to a diverse cohort of twin children and adults concordant and discordant for food allergy. Through combined taxonomic and metabolomic analyses we identified additional bacteria and novel metabolites differentially abundant in the healthy and allergic twins. Our expertise in the development of pre-clinical, gnotobiotic models has enabled us to create robust systems to identify the key host-microbial interactions that prevent allergic sensitization to food.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to play an integral role in this exciting clinically relevant work. 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.

Job Summary

The Research Analyst plays an integral role in the Nagler Laboratory performing experiments in support of this research. As a Research Analyst, you will also oversee the maintenance of mouse colonies, including breeding,
weaning and genotyping mice, serve as a resource for other students and post-doctoral scholars, and assist with the daily lab operations.

Responsibilities

• Installs, sets up and performs experiments recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems.

• Maintain the mouse colony (including working with P.I. on preparation of IACUC triennial reviews, surveys, and amendments and documentation for IBC) and serving as the primary contact person for all issues related to animal husbandry and colony maintenance.

• Performs lab management duties including ordering lab supplies, maintaining lb inventory, and updating the lab website.

• Maintenance of lab equipment and arranging for repairs and maintaining.

• Serves as a resource for the onboarding of undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-doctoral scholars.

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree 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 Competencies

• General awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures,

  and relevant scientific field.

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field.

• Knowledge in research techniques or methods.

• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

• Ability to train others.

• Analytical skills.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Organizational skills.

• Verbal and written communications skills.

• Ability to learn new research techniques or methods.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions

• Lab Environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $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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