Visiting Research Specialist- Department of Biological Sciences, Polikanov Lab

Visiting Research Specialist- Department of Biological Sciences, Polikanov Lab

Hiring Department: Biological Sciences

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1033622

Posting Close Date: May 31, 2025

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $48,000 to $60,000. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About 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 16 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.

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.

Position Summary:
The Polikanov Lab is seeking a Visiting Research Specialist. Successful candidate will conduct research by using X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM techniques to obtain a structural basis for various functions of the bacterial ribosome and its inhibition by different small-molecule inhibitors. The successful candidate should have a strong theoretical background in standard biochemical, molecular biology, and biophysical methods, as well as practical skills in the most standard methods currently used in molecular biology and biochemistry (such as protein expression, purification, etc.). Knowledge in X-ray crystallography or other structural techniques is desired but not required.
The successful candidate would conduct research and assist with training laboratory personnel in various techniques, experiments, and the appropriate use of research equipment. He/She would also perform data analysis and manage, document, and help with the dissemination of research activities for publication and outreach.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Record keeping: log and track inventory of chemicals, reagents, and lab supplies
Maintain accurate records of experiments, procedures, and results
Keep the laboratory clean, organized, and free of contaminants
Glassware & Equipment Maintenance
Prepare culture media, buffers, and reagents according to protocols
Assist other researchers in the lab in conducting experiments
Purify bacterial ribosomes and all additional components necessary for the experiments, such as recombinant proteins, tRNAs
Train undergraduate and graduate students in research methods, use of equipment, record keeping, and laboratory database entry

Minimum Qualifications :
Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
Strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology
Practical skills with the most standard methods currently used in molecular biology, and biochemistry (such as protein expression, purification)

For full consideration please submit your application along with Cover Letter, CV, and three references by May 31, 2025. Cover letter should describe previous research accomplishments and scientific interests as well as how these fit within the scope of the research in the Polikanov lab. Questions can be addressed to Yury Polikanov at yuryp@uic.edu.

Final authorization of the position is subject to availability of funding.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

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