Career Center

The University of Illinois Chicago 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 nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

The University of Illinois Chicago is looking to fill the role of Research Specialist in Biophysics. This position works in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) in the Biophysics Core (BPC) of the Research Resources Center (RRC). This position works under supervision of the Biophysics Core Director and works with research scientists in the planning and execution of projects in various protein over-expression and purification, binding analyses of biomolecules, and biological or biochemical assays. The work involves the application of lab specific tests and developing new protocols and training other users in various techniques and research equipment. This position requires abilities not only to optimize/trouble-shoot existing protocols, but also to create new protocols independently to make each assay work properly. This position also manages and participates in the daily operation of the BPC with RRC.

Responsibilities

Perform plasmid transformation into E. coli cells and small and large-scale bacterial culture and protein over-expression. Optimize over-expression condition for each protein.

Manage and perform various protein purification using Ni-affinity, ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography using AKTA FPLCs. Optimize purification conditions for each protein and do quality control (QC).

Develop/revise protocols and perform Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiments including ligand immobilization on CM5, SA, and NTA chips and equilibration of sensor surface followed by setting up analytes.

Create enzyme assay protocol independently to analyze each enzyme activity and run Fluorescence- or luminescence-based enzymatic assay with various enzymes using microplate reader.

Trouble-shoot and optimize existing protocols independently to make assays work upon encountering problems. Conduct literature searches for technology updates and establish new protocols.

Train both UIC and external users who want to use Biophysics core instruments, which require a wide range of knowledge and expertise for various biophysical instruments such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), and Circular dichroism (CD).

Manage weekly and monthly maintenance procedures on core instruments (AKTA Pure & AKTAxpress FPLCs, Biacore T200, Biacore 8K, MicroCal PEAQ-ITC, Jasco 815 CD, and Emulslflex C5.

Document all sample preparation, method development notes, and data analysis results in Excel and PowerPoint for publication and reports.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or related discipline required. Master's and PhD preferred.

A minimum of 3 years of laboratory research experience in biochemistry, protein biology, enzymology, and specific areas of sample preparation as listed above.

Protein purification and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiences are required. 

AKTA FPLC experience is required.

Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), Circular dichroism (CD), and Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC) experiences are preferred.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by August 31, 2022.  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.

Candidates must apply for this role by visiting the following link:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/363?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