Research, Analyst

About the Lab

The Kreiner Lab (kreinerlab.com) and Carley Lab (carleylab.uchicago.edu) in the Department of Ecology & Evolution at The University of Chicago seek to hire a shared Laboratory Technician – Research to start in fall 2026. This is a full-time (40 h/week), in-person position with time split 50/50 across the two research groups. These two research groups are separate entities, but use overlapping methods and techniques in their research and share one large laboratory and office space. The Kreiner and Carley labs are dynamic, collaborative environments using integrative approaches from molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and analytical chemistry to answer evolutionary and ecological questions about plants.

About the Role

The Laboratory Technician will provide high-level scientific and logistical support for ongoing and new research projects in both labs. The role is primarily wet-lab focused and requires demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques, including high-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA extraction, high-throughput library preparation, PCR-based assay development, and tissue culture. Experience with long-read sequencing platforms (Oxford Nanopore, PacBio) is preferred. The Laboratory Technician will also assist with day-to-day lab operations, including reagent and equipment procurement, inventory management, expense tracking, and lab safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform traditional and high-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA extractions from plant tissue, including fresh, frozen, and herbarium/historical specimens, using CTAB-based and kit-based methods.
• Execute high-throughput library preparation workflows for short-read (Illumina) and long-read (Oxford Nanopore, PacBio) sequencing platforms.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot PCR-based assays, including amplicon sequencing workflows and genotyping protocols.
• Perform gel electrophoresis, quantification (Qubit, Bioanalyzer/TapeStation), and quality assessment of nucleic acids and libraries.
• Carry out plant transformation protocols and tissue culture work as needed.
• Assist with plant care, phenotyping, and tissue collection in greenhouse and field settings.
• Conduct dry lab work including measuring, weighing, and processing plant tissue samples.
• Manage procurement and stocking of reagents, consumables, and equipment for both labs; maintain organized inventory systems.
• Track and reconcile lab expenses; assist with purchase order submissions, vendor communications, and expense reporting.
• Coordinate usage of shared equipment across lab personnel and ensure equipment is properly maintained and serviced.
• Oversee lab safety compliance, including maintaining SDS records, coordinating required safety training, and ensuring regulatory adherence.
• Assist with data entry, sample tracking, and organization of lab records and protocols.
• Manage and organize physical collections of seeds and tissue to facilitate long-term research; assist with large-scale growouts for seed bulking/refresher generations when necessary.
• Assist with coordination between PIs, greenhouse staff, facilities staff, and growth chamber and greenhouse users to maintain adequate operations for plant growth and experimentation.
• Interact with graduate students, postdocs, and other lab personnel to support ongoing experiments and troubleshoot protocols.
• Assist with seed and tissue collection at field sites across the Midwest as needed (seasonal).
• 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.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum: College or university degree in related field; knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Candidates holding a B.Sc., M.S., or Ph.D. in biology, genetics, plant science, or a related field are encouraged to apply. B.Sc.-level candidates should have at least 2 years of independent wet lab experience in a relevant research setting.

Preferred Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in biology, genetics, plant biology, or related field; or B.Sc. with 2+ years of relevant independent research experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with standard DNA extraction protocols and HMW adaptations for long-read sequencing applications (e.g., SDS-based, CTAB with high-MW modifications, column-free methods).
• Hands-on experience with Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) or PacBio library preparation and/or sequencing.
• Experience designing, validating, and troubleshooting PCR-based assays, including multiplexed or amplicon sequencing approaches.
• Familiarity with Illumina sequencing library preparation (e.g., NEBNext, Nextera, or equivalent workflows).
• Experience with plant transformation techniques (Agrobacterium transfection or protoplast culture).
• Experience managing lab consumables, procurement systems, and/or expense tracking in a research environment.
• Familiarity with and interest in plant genomics, population genetics, evolutionary biology, and/or molecular ecology research.
• Proficiency with basic bioinformatics tools or data management in a Unix/Linux environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite; familiarity with electronic lab notebooks a plus.

Preferred Competencies:

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and shifting priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within and across two active research groups.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Meticulous approach to following and documenting research protocols.

Pay & Schedule

• Pay range: $50,000.00 – $70,000.00 annually
• Schedule: Full-time (40 h/week), in-person at the University of Chicago Hyde Park campus
• Benefits: Eligible for health, retirement, and paid time off

Working Conditions

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with lab and field work, including bending, stooping, and lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to travel to off-campus field locations (seasonal).
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Work includes time in research laboratories and the University Greenhouse.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position (required)
• Contact Information of at least three professional references (required)

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