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Spatial Transcriptomics Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Staff Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Lead computational analyses of bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, DNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics datasets. * Develop and implement reproducible pipelines for multi-omic data integration ...

Staff Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Lead computational analyses of bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, DNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics datasets. * Develop and implement reproducible pipelines for multi-omic data integration ...

Postdoctoral Fellow, Live Tissue Omics

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50K - $68.50K/yr

... or spatial transcriptomics). * [Nice to have] Experience with RNA engineering, molecular barcoding, or novel nucleic acid technologies. * [Nice to have] Background in immune cell biology, immune ...

Postdoctoral Fellow, Live Tissue Omics

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50K - $68.50K/yr

... or spatial transcriptomics). * [Nice to have] Experience with RNA engineering, molecular barcoding, or novel nucleic acid technologies. * [Nice to have] Background in immune cell biology, immune ...

Postdoctoral Fellow, Single-Cell Genomics

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50K - $68.50K/yr

... spatial transcriptomics, multiplexed imaging, flow/mass cytometry, or proteomics). * [Nice to have] Experience with technology or assay development, molecular barcoding, novel nucleic acid ...

Postdoctoral Fellow, Single-Cell Genomics

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50K - $68.50K/yr

... spatial transcriptomics, multiplexed imaging, flow/mass cytometry, or proteomics). * [Nice to have] Experience with technology or assay development, molecular barcoding, novel nucleic acid ...

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Showing results 1-20

Spatial Transcriptomics information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$50.5K

$209.6K

$412.1K

How much do spatial transcriptomics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for spatial transcriptomics in Chicago, IL is $209,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $412,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Spatial Transcriptomics Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spatial Transcriptomics Scientist, you need a strong background in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics, typically supported by an advanced degree in a life science field. Familiarity with spatial transcriptomics platforms (such as 10x Genomics Visium), next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, and data analysis tools like R or Python is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating on interdisciplinary research projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for generating high-quality spatial gene expression data and translating findings into meaningful biological insights.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in spatial transcriptomics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in spatial transcriptomics often encounter challenges related to handling large, complex datasets and integrating spatial information with gene expression data. Ensuring high-quality sample preparation and mastering advanced imaging or sequencing technologies are also frequent hurdles. These challenges can be addressed by collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, and imaging specialists—and staying up-to-date with the latest software tools and protocols. Continuous learning and effective communication within the team are key to overcoming technical and analytical obstacles in this rapidly evolving field.

What is spatial transcriptomics?

Spatial transcriptomics is an advanced technique that allows scientists to measure gene expression within the spatial context of tissue samples. Unlike traditional RNA sequencing, which loses information about where each gene is expressed, spatial transcriptomics preserves the physical location of gene activity in tissues. This helps researchers better understand how cells function within their native environments and interact with neighboring cells, which is especially valuable in fields like cancer research, neuroscience, and developmental biology. The method combines microscopy, molecular biology, and computational analysis to produce detailed maps of gene expression.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Spatial Transcriptomics jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Spatial Transcriptomics job openings:
Infographic showing various Spatial Transcriptomics job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 64% Full Time, 6% Temporary, 18% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $209,601 per year, or $100.8 per hour.
Staff Scientist

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department
BSD MED - Hematology and Oncology - Izumchenko Research Staff
About the Department
We are aiming to recruit a skilled Staff Scientist to the Translational Head and Neck Cancer Research group led by Drs. Evgeny Izumchenko and Nishant Agrawal. Our focus is on understanding the complex interplay between the genetic and epigenetic alterations in head and neck carcinogenesis and progression, and on exploiting this understanding for developing novel biomarkers for diagnosis and risk stratification as well as in identifying targets for therapeutic intervention. Drs. Izumchenko and Agrawal lab is an integral component of the translational head and neck cancer research program at the University of Chicago, working collaboratively with the team of investigators with complementary and integrated expertise including surgeons, clinical oncologists, pathologists and computational biologists. Our group members are known for their contributions to the advancement of groundbreaking research, pursuing a diverse range of basic, translational, and clinical research projects on head and neck cancer genetics, microbiome, bioengineering, stem cell renewal, and immunotolerance.
Job Summary
The Staff Scientist will focus on dissecting tumor biology, identifying therapeutic targets, and developing clinically relevant biomarkers through analysis of bulk and single-cell sequencing data, spatial profiling, and multi-omic datasets. The position sits at the interface of computational biology and translational oncology, with strong integration into ongoing experimental and clinical programs.
Responsibilities
  • Lead computational analyses of bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, DNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics datasets.
  • Develop and implement reproducible pipelines for multi-omic data integration and interpretation.
  • Perform differential expression, pathway enrichment, and network-based analyses to identify drivers of tumor progression and therapeutic response.
  • Integrate molecular data with clinical annotations to support biomarker discovery and patient stratification.
  • Collaborate closely with experimental scientists to design studies and interpret results in biological context.
  • Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and presentation of findings.
  • Maintain high standards of data quality, documentation, and reproducibility.
  • Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
  • Creates first drafts for scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
  • 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
  • Experience with bioinformatics tools for sequencing data processing and analysis.
  • Expertise in cancer genomics and transcriptomics analysis.
  • Demonstrated experience with single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomics datasets.
  • Experience integrating multi-modal datasets (genomic, transcriptomic, clinical).
  • Experience in translational research or collaboration with clinical teams is strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as R and Python.
  • Familiarity with cloud computing environments and workflow management systems (e.g., AWS, Terra, Nextflow, Snakemake).
  • Track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)

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
$80,000.00 - $100,000.00
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.

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