GRAF Research Technical Assistant

DepartmentBSD ARC - GRAFAbout the DepartmentThe mission of the Animal Resources Center (ARC) is to assist investigators in performing their animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals. The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at The University of Chicago is responsible for the use and care of all research animals on campus. The ARC manages 6 facilities and a business office. Its sections are as follows: husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, finance and administration. The unit merged with the Office of Shared Research Facilities managing all of the BSD cores on campus.Job SummaryIndependently implements requests and transactions for the Gnotobiotics Research Animal Facility (GRAF) as delegated by the GRAF Director, Technical Director or RTA team lead. Provides routine laboratory duties and supports research projects under direct supervision. Assists members of the GRAF in preparing equipment for experiments, performs basic techniques, assists with building, sterilizing and recycling equipment and materials. Performs basic microbiology testing and other prescribed laboratory procedures.ResponsibilitiesPrepares bedding, food, water, and other stock materials.Prepares and processes autoclave cylinders with specified materials (bedding, food, water, experimental supplies).Prepares sterile materials in support of research activities including preparing, packaging and processing supplies.May assist with preparation of isolator sterility quality assurance materials, may assist technologists with research activities under direct supervision.May assist with ordering of unit supplies.Re-wraps filters on sterilization cylinders.Processes biological indicators for quality assurance.Prepares caging material for processing in autoclave.Assists with facility cleanliness and sanitization.Provides documentation of activities, assists with additional material preparation tasks as may be required.This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.Performs other related work as needed.Minimum QualificationsEducation:Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.Certifications:-Preferred QualificationsEducation:High School Diploma.Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.Experience:Previous work experience in an academic environment, hospital surgical supply prep, biomedical or animal research setting, or a medical or veterinary care setting.Preferred CompetenciesMust demonstrate ability to work on more than one project at one time and meet deadlines.Capacity to handle multiple tasks in a short amount of time.Must be detailed and organized and respect confidentiality.Ability to analyze and solve problems.Ability to interact with all levels of staff within the department.Some basic mechanical skills (use of screwdrivers, wrenches, industrial autoclave units).Working ConditionsPredominantly a standing and active position.Requires a fair amount of walking to different facilities on campus, also entails writing, typing, and computer skills.Ability to lift and carry (short distances) up to 50 pounds.Application DocumentsResume (required)Cover Letter (preferred)When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.Job FamilyResearchRole ImpactIndividual ContributorScheduled Weekly Hours40Drug Test RequiredNoHealth Screen RequiredYesMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNoPay Rate TypeHourlyFLSA StatusNon-ExemptPay Range$ $26.44The 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 EligibleYesThe 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 theBenefits Guidebook.Posting StatementThe 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 theUniversity's Notice of Nondiscrimination.Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or submit a request viaApplicant 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:. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.