Research Associate / Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Summary

The Center for Genetic Diseases in the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science welcome applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct scientific research in the Lab of Dr. Weihang (Valerie) Chai. We are seeking a highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct original research using human cell lines and mice to study the role of genome instability and replication stress in carcinogenesis, and how to target genome maintenance to improve cancer treatment.

Candidates who have not yet completed their PhD will be given the title Research Associate until they have met the eligibility requirements for a postdoctoral title.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

As part of our efforts to enhance the depth and breadth of research at RFU and to facilitate the translation of our basic science research to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and identification of biomarkers in order to improve human health, a new Innovation and Research Park (IRP) was constructed, opening in January 2020. The novel design of the IRP enables academic researchers to reside in state-of-the-art laboratory space that is in close proximity to industry researchers on each floor of the 100,000 sq ft building. It also houses our Helix 51 Incubator, Chicago's newest bioscience incubator for startups. To learn more, see https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/research/innovation-and-research-park/

We are a highly interactive team using integrated genomics, molecular/cell biology, and in vivo approaches to advance targeted cancer therapy. Additional information regarding the Chai Lab can be found at: https://weihangchai.wixsite.com/chailab

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct original research to understand the molecular mechanism for maintaining genome stability in cells and the role of replication stress in carcinogenesis.
• Participate in the development and design of research projects, protocols and experiments.
• Design, coordinate and conduct experimental procedures in the study of protein-protein interaction, protein-DNA interaction, protein modification, genome stability analysis in various human cells.
• Independently perform research activities and data analysis.
• Work with the Principal Investigator to prepare research results and written summaries of results in manuscript form for publications and in graphics form for presentation at research meetings and for grant proposals.
• Write postdoc fellowship applications.
• Maintain and ensure compliance with regulatory protocols and records.
• Possibility in supervising research interns and undergraduate students.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy

Required Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, cell or molecular biology, or other discipline related to the molecular biosciences.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular/cell biology.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Molecular and Cell Biology Techniques: Cell culture, Western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, co-immunoprecipitation, RNAi, CRISPR-Cas9 to make knockout or knockin, Nucleic Acid isolation, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, restriction digestion, working with retrovirus and lentivirus, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, Protein analysis, etc.
• Statistical analysis, ability to use GraphPad Prism, EndNote, BioRender, Microsoft Office including Word, Powerpoint, Blast analysis, Primer design, etc.
• Record indicating outstanding abilities and potential in research; and a publication record consistent with background. Strong communication skills, both orally and written.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with handling small animals, including breeding, injection, dissection, immunohistochemistry, is preferred.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets