Healthcare STEM OPT Jobs in Illinois

Department

BSD MIC - Mimee Lab

About the Department

The Department of Microbiology in the Biological Sciences Division advances our understanding of microorganisms and their roles in health, disease, and the environment. Faculty and trainees investigate fundamental and translational questions spanning bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic biology; microbial pathogenesis; host–microbe interactions; microbiome science; antimicrobial resistance; and microbial genomics. Our work integrates molecular, cellular, and system-level approaches to uncover mechanisms that shape infectious and chronic diseases and to drive innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, and public health.

Job Summary

The Staff Scientist will lead research on engineering microorganisms for therapeutic use, with a focus on microbial platforms that deliver therapeutic molecules, including for cancer immunotherapy. Responsibilities include developing genetic engineering tools, designing and evaluating engineered strains, studying their interactions with mammalian hosts, and conducting molecular biology, microbiology, and preclinical experiments to assess function, efficacy, and mechanisms of action.

The ideal candidate is an independent, innovative researcher who can develop new experimental approaches, analyze complex datasets, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to publications and grant proposals.

This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and optimizes genetic engineering tools and experimental assays for anaerobic microorganisms, including Bifidobacterium species.
• Engineers microbial strains for controlled gene expression, therapeutic protein production and secretion, and targeted delivery of biological therapeutics.
• Designs and conducts molecular biology, microbiology, and cell-based experiments to characterize engineered microbial functions and host–microbe interactions.
• Develops and executes preclinical studies using animal models to evaluate microbial colonization, therapeutic efficacy, and host responses.
• Develops and tests scientific hypotheses, analyzes experimental data, and interprets findings to guide ongoing research.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary research teams to develop and evaluate novel microbial therapeutics.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Postdoctoral researcher training.
• Prior experience writing and preparing manuscripts.
• Strong knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, and microbial genetic engineering.
• Experience with anaerobic microbial cultivation, genetic manipulation, and characterization of engineered microorganisms.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression, protein secretion, and molecular and biochemical assays.
• Knowledge of mammalian cell culture, host–microbe interactions, and preclinical animal models, including tumor models.
• Strong skills in experimental design, troubleshooting, quantitative data analysis, and scientific interpretation.

Preferred Competencies

• The ability to independently plan, organize, and carry out complex research projects.
• A talent for communicating scientific findings clearly through publications, presentations, and written reports.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and train laboratory personnel.

Working Conditions

• Wet lab environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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 University’s 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 773-702-5800 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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.