Lab Assistant (Biohub Chicago)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago (https://www.czbiohub.org/chi) is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to make breakthroughs in medicine and develop new technologies, frequently in collaboration with our partner universities. We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands-on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication and respect; inclusiveness; and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• The technologies developed at CZ Biohub Chicago facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of CZ Biohub Network and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.

The Opportunity

Laboratory Operations is central to the support of research conducted at the Biohub, and we’re looking for someone who is inspired to contribute to our mission. The Laboratory Assistant has excellent organization and time management skills and will be part of the Laboratory Operations team. They will be reporting to the Senior Operations Manager and will work under the guidance of our Assistant Lab Manager.

As a representative of the Operations team, the Lab Assistant will help  maintain an organized, efficient, and well-stocked laboratory facility, including biosafety level 2 tissue culture suites. This is a lab support role and not a scientific research position. Your work will contribute to supporting and meeting the needs of our research scientists. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in the life sciences who is passionate about supporting impactful research in a collaborative setting.

This full-time position requires the individual to be on-site in Chicago, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm daily.

What You'll Do

• Perform general wet lab operational duties, including but not limited to:
  • General lab housekeeping, such as sterilization of glassware
  • Inventory and restocking of lab supplies
  • Defrosting freezers
  • Maintaining shared laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, water baths, and balances
  • Monitoring equipment sensors
  • Preparation of reagents, buffers, and media
• Act as the central receiver for all inbound shipments by diligently tracking receipt of all items, communicating with end users, and properly storing materials at the required temperatures
• Assist with managing lab compressed gases: level monitoring to ensure continuous supply, submitting order requests, addressing anomalies in deliveries, and changing tanks.
• Help with the development of standard operating procedures for shared lab equipment and processes
• Routine inspection of equipment and facilities for any issues that need to be addressed, including but not limited to repairs, safety concerns, and waste compliance
• Chemical and biological hazard material handling
• Other duties as assigned

You have 

Essential -

• Associate’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field
• 1+ years of laboratory experience (academic, nonprofit, or industry settings)
• Experience with basic tissue culture (media changes,
• Customer-focused approach
• Good organizational and documentation skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols accurately
• Ability to work independently
• Commitment to laboratory safety and integrity in scientific research
• Familiarity with Google Workspace, Slack, and Microsoft Office
• Must be able to lift 50lbs

Compensation

The Chicago, IL base pay range for this role is $40,000.00 - $55,000.00. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. 

What We Provide 

• Resources to disrupt and innovate at the frontiers of our knowledge of biology and disease
• A collegial and collaborative environment consisting of diverse expertise
• Access to collaborators, resources and facilities at our three partner universities (Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) and at partner organizations in Chicagoland and beyond
• Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with the experience

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

Benefits

We offer a robust benefits program that enables the important work Biohubbers do everyday. Our benefits include healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning services with fertility care, childcare stipend, 401(k) match, flexible time off and a generous parental leave policy. In addition, we honor our commitment to career development and our value of scholarly excellence through regular onsite opportunities to learn from the world's leading scientists.

The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of thought, ideas and perspectives. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all Biohubbers feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. The CZ Biohub Network does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. The CZ Biohub Network will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with the CZ Biohub Network.