Design Lab Assistant Jobs in Willowbrook, IL (NOW HIRING)

Department
BSD E&E Carley Lab
About the Department
The Kreiner Lab (kreinerlab.com) and Carley Lab (carleylab.uchicago.edu) in the Department of Ecology & Evolution at The University of Chicago seek to hire a shared Laboratory Technician - Research to start in fall 2026. This is a full-time (40 h/week), in-person position with time split 50/50 across the two research groups. These two research groups are separate entities, but use overlapping methods and techniques in their research and share one large laboratory and office space. The Kreiner and Carley labs are dynamic, collaborative environments using integrative approaches from molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and analytical chemistry to answer evolutionary and ecological questions about plants.
The Laboratory Technician will provide high-level scientific and logistical support for ongoing and new research projects in both labs. The role is primarily wet-lab focused and requires demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques, including high-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA extraction, high-throughput library preparation, PCR-based assay development, and tissue culture. Experience with long-read sequencing platforms (Oxford Nanopore, PacBio) is preferred. The Laboratory Technician will also assist with day-to-day lab operations, including reagent and equipment procurement, inventory management, expense tracking, and lab safety compliance.
Candidates holding a B.Sc., M.S., or Ph.D. in biology, genetics, plant science, or a related field are encouraged to apply. B.Sc.-level candidates should have at least 2 years of independent wet lab experience in a relevant research setting.
Job Summary
The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.
Responsibilities

• Perform traditional and high-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA extractions from plant tissue, including fresh, frozen, and herbarium/historical specimens, using CTAB-based and kit-based methods.
• Execute high-throughput library preparation workflows for short-read (Illumina) and long-read (Oxford Nanopore, PacBio) sequencing platforms.
• Design, optimize, and troubleshoot PCR-based assays, including amplicon sequencing workflows and genotyping protocols.
• Perform gel electrophoresis, quantification (Qubit, Bioanalyzer/TapeStation), and quality assessment of nucleic acids and libraries.
• Carry out plant transformation protocols and tissue culture work as needed.
• Assist with plant care, phenotyping, and tissue collection in greenhouse and field settings.
• Conduct dry lab work including measuring, weighing, and processing plant tissue samples.
• Manage procurement and stocking of reagents, consumables, and equipment for both labs; maintain organized inventory systems.
• Track and reconcile lab expenses; assist with purchase order submissions, vendor communications, and expense reporting.
• Coordinate usage of shared equipment across lab personnel and ensure equipment is properly maintained and serviced.
• Oversee lab safety compliance, including maintaining SDS records, coordinating required safety training, and ensuring regulatory adherence.
• Assist with data entry, sample tracking, and organization of lab records and protocols.
• Manage and organize physical collections of seeds and tissue to facilitate long-term research; assist with large-scale growouts for seed bulking/refresher generations when necessary.
• Assist with coordination between PIs, greenhouse staff, facilities staff, and growth chamber and greenhouse users to maintain adequate operations for plant growth and experimentation.
• Interact with graduate students, postdocs, and other lab personnel to support ongoing experiments and troubleshoot protocols.
• Assist with seed and tissue collection at field sites across the Midwest as needed (seasonal).
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in biology, genetics, plant biology, or related field; or B.Sc. with 2+ years of relevant independent research experience.

Experience:

• Experience with standard DNA extraction protocols and HMW adaptations for long-read sequencing applications (e.g., SDS-based, CTAB with high-MW modifications, column-free methods).
• Hands-on experience with Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) or PacBio library preparation and/or sequencing.
• Experience designing, validating, and troubleshooting PCR-based assays, including multiplexed or amplicon sequencing approaches.
• Familiarity with Illumina sequencing library preparation (e.g., NEBNext, Nextera, or equivalent workflows).
• Experience with plant transformation techniques (Agrobacterium transfection or protoplast culture).
• Experience managing lab consumables, procurement systems, and/or expense tracking in a research environment.
• Familiarity with and interest in plant genomics, population genetics, evolutionary biology, and/or molecular ecology research.
• Proficiency with basic bioinformatics tools or data management in a Unix/Linux environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite; familiarity with electronic lab notebooks a plus.

Preferred Competencies

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and shifting priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within and across two active research groups.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Meticulous approach to following and documenting research protocols.

Working Conditions

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with lab and field work, including bending, stooping, and lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to travel to off-campus field locations (seasonal).
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Full-time, onsite position at the University of Chicago Hyde Park campus.
• Work includes time in research laboratories and the University Greenhouse.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position (required)
• Contact Information of at least three professional references (required)

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
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$50,000.00 - $70,000.00
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.
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