Research Core Operations Manager

Department

BSD DFI - Staff

About the Department

The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) investigates the role of the microbiome in resistance and susceptibility to infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. The microbiome consists of complex populations of microbes that can be characterized by DNA and RNA sequencing. By developing new knowledge about the interactions between the human body and the microbiome, the DFI is breaking new ground that will lead to therapies that increase resistance to a wide range of diseases

Job Summary

The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.

Responsibilities

• Provides supervision over research projects to ensure proper planning, execution, and completion of microbiome related research.

• Develops and validates new laboratory methods in areas of NGS sequencing, including RNA transcriptomics and Nanopore sequencing.

• Executes and leads R&D laboratory experiments with the goal of introducing new core services.

• Leads weekly laboratory meetings and delegates duties to team members.

• Supervises and trains all new personnel on proper use of equipment and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Enforces lab safety practices to maintain conformance with specific operational standards.

• Responsible for purchasing all laboratory reagents and supplies.

• Responsible for maintaining all laboratory supply inventory levels.

• Maintains and schedules equipment services including repairs and annual preventative maintenance.

• Manages daily and long-term operations in the lab and relevant subject matter knowledge pertaining to next-generation sequencing.

• Manages LIMS and client projects.

• Responsible for overseeing recharge core financials and recharge billing for revenue recovery.

• Responsible for QC oversight and sequencing data delivery to the informatics and bioinformatic team members.

• Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.

• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.

• Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Advanced molecular biology techniques.

• Expertise in next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and microbiome metagenomics.

• Expertise with Illumina NGS platforms for 16S RNA, Whole Genome, and Shotgun sequencing.

• Expertise in RNA transcriptomics.

• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

• Experience automating high-throughput sample prep and library prep using liquid handlers for microbiome NGS workflows.

• Supervisory skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent record keeping and organizational skills.

• Strong multi-tasking and time-management capabilities.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead a team.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

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

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the Universitys good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call ... or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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