Research Technologist II

About the role

The Research Technologist II position is located within the Akhtar Laboratory at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Lurie Children’s Hospital. The Akhtar laboratory focuses on understanding the interaction between viruses and the pediatric brain using a variety of experimental approaches.

Responsibilities

• Support scientific research by performing various laboratory tasks.
• Follow protocols, set up and conduct basic experiments.
• Analyze and troubleshoot protocols and data obtained from individual experiments.
• Record and interpret results, prepare charts and graphs for presentations and publications.
• Perform scientific literature searches in support of research.
• Complete portions of grant applications, manuscripts, and publications.
• Track and summarize lab supply expenses, verify accuracy of invoices, and manage inventory of reagents, mice, and lab supplies.
• Calibrate and validate laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and precision in testing.
• Manage supplies, reagents, and equipment inventory.
• Place orders for necessary materials.
• Contribute to ongoing clinically relevant research addressing how variations within the viral genome contribute to different neurological outcomes and identify critical components of defense in the pediatric brain against viral infection.
• Participate in projects that may lead to authorship on scientific manuscripts.

Requirements

A minimum of 1 year of experience working with diverse groups of people. Working knowledge of computers, ability to troubleshoot, work independently, and function as a team member is essential. Strong organizational skills including the ability to establish priorities, react promptly to a large variety of requests, and maintain an organized and well-stocked laboratory are required.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related field.
• Excellent command of the English language and the ability to communicate effectively.

Skills

• Strong organizational skills including the ability to establish priorities, react promptly to a large variety of requests, and the ability to keep the workplace clean and organized.

Benefits

Lurie Children’s offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid group term life and disability
• Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave
• 403(b) with a 5% employer match
• Voluntary benefits such as supplemental life, AD&D, and disability, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity coverage, tuition assistance, student loan servicing and support, adoption benefits, backup childcare and eldercare, employee assistance program, and specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities and discount purchasing program

Lurie Children’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints, recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond.