Research Specialist – Single Cell Sequencing & Spatial Transcriptomics

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its sixteen colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Illinois Chicago is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Specialist to join our Single Cell and Spatial Technologies area in our Research Resources Center (RRC). This area supports cutting-edge research in the life sciences by providing advanced technologies and expertise in single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, and sequencing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in life sciences research, with experience in sequencing techniques, single-cell genomics, and/or spatial technologies. The Research Specialist will play a key role in supporting research projects and collaborating with researchers to advance technological innovation in single-cell and spatial analysis.

Salary: 70,000.00 - 85,000.00 annually - Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead single-cell genomic profiling workflows, including the evaluation of cell and nuclei quality and quantity, accurate counting of dissociated cells and nuclei, operation of the Chromium System, construction of single-cell libraries and conducting library quality assessments (QA) using automated electrophoresis systems.
• Manage spatial genomic profiling workflows, including operation of the CytAssist platform, Visium library construction and QA and oversight of the Xenium System.
• Ensure smooth laboratory operations, including inventory management, creation of project records, and organization of reagents and consumables for single-cell and spatial genomics.
• Oversee routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with established procedures and documentation standards, as outlined in training materials and instrument manuals. Collaborate with technical support to troubleshoot and resolve instrument failures during runs.
• Maintain effective communication with client laboratories, managing time and resources efficiently to meet project timelines and deliverables.
• Provide training to employees and student workers on laboratory protocols, benchwork procedures and safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in life sciences, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, biochemistry or a related field.
• Reliable team player with 3 years of experience in laboratory settings, specializing in genomic workflows.
• Proficient in laboratory instrumentation and software, with hands-on experience using 10x single cell and/or spatial platforms, data analysis tools, and performing routine equipment maintenance.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, RNA isolation, library prep, sequencing).
• Experience with single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics, or related technologies is highly desirable.
• Experience with experimental design, sample preparation, and quality control processes
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with spatial technologies such as multiplexed in situ hybridization, imaging platforms, or spatially resolved RNA sequencing.
• Knowledge of advanced bioinformatics approaches and software, particularly in single-cell analysis or spatial transcriptomics.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by February 14, 2025, by 5:00pm CST. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references by the close date.

Interested candidates must apply directly to the UIC job board at:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/14161?c=uic

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899