Research Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL
Research Specialist jobs in Chicago are in strong demand, concentrated in Streeterville, the Illinois Medical District, and the Loop across healthcare, market research, policy, and academic sectors. Employers actively hiring right now include Huron Consulting, University of Illinois, and Harbor. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Research Specialist - Lazarov Lab, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Hiring Department: Anatomy and Cell Biology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043247
For Fullest Consideration, please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references by 11/13/2026
Salary:
The salary range of employees currently holding equivalent positions is $43,888 to $65,000 annually.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
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.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Description
The Lazarov laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking highly energetic and organized applicants for a full-time Research Specialist position. Our research focus is molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Tauopathies as well as ALS and Huntington’s disease. Experimental procedures include molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
This role will involve overseeing the maintenance of a biomedical laboratory which has uses a combination of cell and molecular methods including primary neuronal cultures from rodents, use of transgenic mouse models and generation/production of monoclonal antibodies with using experimental procedures including molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Carry out mouse husbandry, colony maintenance, genotyping using PCR and other methodologies, updating mouse colony records.
Maintain inventory of lab supplies and chemicals.
Ordering lab supplies and maintaining laboratory stocks.
Standardize and systematize comprehensive laboratory protocols while maintaining accurate records of the work performed.
Preparation and implementation of general laboratory maintenance protocols (e.g. safety, training, waste management, animal, etc.).
Ensure that laboratory procedures comply with all safety requirements.
Supervise and train new graduate and undergraduate students.
Conduct or coordinate ongoing experimental protocols.
Perform routine molecular biology and biochemical procedures.
Generate primary neuronal cell cultures
Test, optimize and implement both new and existing methods/techniques.
Collaborate with the PI and other lab members to prepare or perform experimental procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, primary neuronal cell culture and live cell imaging.
Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
Proficient in specific lab research techniques.
For Fullest Consideration, Please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references
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.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Research Specialist - Lazarov Lab, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Hiring Department: Anatomy and Cell Biology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1043247
For Fullest Consideration, please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references by 11/13/2026
Salary:
The salary range of employees currently holding equivalent positions is $43,888 to $65,000 annually.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
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.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Description
The Lazarov laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking highly energetic and organized applicants for a full-time Research Specialist position. Our research focus is molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Tauopathies as well as ALS and Huntington’s disease. Experimental procedures include molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
This role will involve overseeing the maintenance of a biomedical laboratory which has uses a combination of cell and molecular methods including primary neuronal cultures from rodents, use of transgenic mouse models and generation/production of monoclonal antibodies with using experimental procedures including molecular and cellular biology, cloning, transfection, immunochemistry, histology, microscopy and small animal surgeries.
Duties and Responsibilities
Carry out mouse husbandry, colony maintenance, genotyping using PCR and other methodologies, updating mouse colony records.
Maintain inventory of lab supplies and chemicals.
Ordering lab supplies and maintaining laboratory stocks.
Standardize and systematize comprehensive laboratory protocols while maintaining accurate records of the work performed.
Preparation and implementation of general laboratory maintenance protocols (e.g. safety, training, waste management, animal, etc.).
Ensure that laboratory procedures comply with all safety requirements.
Supervise and train new graduate and undergraduate students.
Conduct or coordinate ongoing experimental protocols.
Perform routine molecular biology and biochemical procedures.
Generate primary neuronal cell cultures
Test, optimize and implement both new and existing methods/techniques.
Collaborate with the PI and other lab members to prepare or perform experimental procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, primary neuronal cell culture and live cell imaging.
Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
Proficient in specific lab research techniques.
For Fullest Consideration, Please submit cover letter, CV, and at least 3 references
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.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
See All 27 Research Specialist Jobs in Chicago
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Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Law & Legal Services
- Investment & Asset Management
Research Specialist Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research specialist job in Chicago?
Chicago's strongest hiring comes from its academic medical centers, major universities, financial services firms, and market research consultancies concentrated in Streeterville, Hyde Park, and the Loop. Candidates with experience in quantitative or qualitative methods, data analysis tools, and clear research writing stand out. Tailoring your application to the specific sector, whether clinical, policy, or commercial research, gives you a meaningful edge in this market.
Which companies hire research specialists in Chicago?
Chicago research specialist roles are posted by Huron Consulting, University of Illinois, and Harbor and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's mix of major hospital systems, Big Ten-affiliated research institutions, and global consulting firms means openings appear across a wide range of employer types and research functions.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the role type, desk-based and analytical research positions are far more remote-friendly than lab-based or clinical ones. About 59% of research specialist openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the strongest remote share in market research, policy analysis, and competitive intelligence functions.
How can I get a research specialist job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through research assistant or junior analyst roles at the city's university-affiliated research centers, think tanks like the Urban Institute's Chicago operations, or market research firms in the Loop. Internships at Chicago's hospital systems and policy organizations also convert to full-time research roles regularly. Strong data skills and a portfolio of writing samples, even from academic projects, open doors with Chicago employers at the entry level.
Which industries hire the most research specialists in Chicago?
The sectors hiring the most research specialists in Chicago are Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Law & Legal Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's concentration of major academic medical centers, global consulting firms, and nonprofit policy organizations makes it one of the Midwest's deepest markets for research talent across multiple disciplines.
Related Jobs in Illinois
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