Research Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Visiting Research Specialist – McLachlan lab, Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Hiring Department: Microbiology and Immunology

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1041581

Posting Close Date: For fullest consideration, apply by 5pm, 7/15/2026.

Salary:

The salary range of employees currently holding equivalent positions is $43,888 to $60,000.

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.

Position Summary

The Visiting Research Specialist will contribute to the delivery of research projects, including the design, execution, analysis and interpretation of experiments designed to better understand the regulation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) biosynthesis in transgenic mice and cell culture using standard protocols. Additionally, the Specialist will perform general laboratory management tasks.

Primary Responsibilities

Research:

• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and other researchers to design and develop research projects.
• Conduct in vivo and in vitro experiments, including complex data collection, evaluation and interpretation.
• Test, optimize and implement both new and existing methods, procedures and techniques.
• Develop, write and maintain comprehensive laboratory protocols and records of experimental results.
• Maintain mouse colonies (husbandry, genotyping and maintenance).
• Aid in the preparation and implementation of general laboratory maintenance protocols (e.g. safety, training, waste management, animals).

Communication:

• Prepare results and assist in the writing of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants and other documents.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in grant and manuscript submission.

Staff Management:

• Guide, train, advise and assist researchers and students on protocols and techniques as necessary.
• Coordinate appropriate general laboratory training of research personnel to ensure compliance.
• Provide oversight on record keeping for experimental protocols and results.

Education and Experience

Experience in in vivo and cell culture models of HBV biosynthesis, mouse handling and husbandry is highly valued, whereas basic molecular biology, and biochemistry (e.g. western blotting, ELISA), is beneficial. Basic competence with software for data analysis and presentation formats (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Prism, EndNote) is also required. Candidates should be methodical, and possess strong communication, organizational and record-keeping skills.

Requires 3 years research experience, and a Bachelor's degree in a biological field.

Working Conditions

Laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. Must be able to wear protective equipment. Must be able to handle and provide standard care to research animals. May require standing or sitting for extended periods of time.

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.