Research Scientist (Metabolomics)
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.
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 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.
The job 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 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 < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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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.
- Experience working in a research laboratory or core facility.
- Prior experience working with Thermo LC-MS instrument is a plus, but not required.
- Proficiency in the use of computers and related software programs.
Working Conditions
- Ability to bend, crouch, or stoop.
- Ability to lift loads up to 49lbs.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (preferred)
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
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
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