Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

The Research Assistant Professor will perform lab work in the Immune Deviation & Disease Neighborhood. The lab investigates the role of mast cells and fibroblasts in driving inflammation and scarring in Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). The candidate should be highly motivated with experience working in a translational/basic science laboratory setting using wet lab tools to define biological mechanism ideally associated with mucosal inflammation, allergic inflammation, or fibrosis. The Research Assistant Professor should have considerable experience in all aspects of laboratory immunology and molecular biology research. Design, optimization and execution of experiments aligned with the lab mission and through reading literature is vital. Proficiency in murine skills required: breeding, handling, oral gavage, intraperitoneal administration, cardiac puncture, topical (skin) application, and dissection. Proficiency in spectral flow cytometry is required including use of BD machines (e.g. FACS Symphony A3/A5/S6), high-parameter spectral panel design, troubleshooting, optimization of antibody dilution and gating using FMOs, sorting, and FlowJo analysis.

The candidate should be willing to learn new machines (e.g. BD FACS Discover S8, BD FACS Symphony A5). The candidate should be able to work with research technician to complete experiments. The candidate should be proficient in RNA/DNA/protein isolation, RT-PCR, western blot/ELISA, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, and cell culture including suspension and/or adherent human/murine cells. The candidate should be willing to new techniques (e.g. Crispr, air liquid interface, organoids). The candidate should have a strong ability to troubleshoot and collaborate with faculty members in the performance and analysis of complex research studies and acquisition of new skills. The candidate should be able to coordinate with 1) core facilities, 2) clinical research coordinator and 3) research technician. The candidate should be able to complete mathematical calculations, computer tasks, & assist in judging the validity of data. The candidate should be able to follow protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, good clinical & laboratory practices. Manuscript writing is critical, and the candidate should have interest in grant writing. The candidate will maintain an agenda, lab notebook and project-based PowerPoints which will be presented at lab meeting and seminars.

Assists with the creation, implementation and continuous improvement of the research enterprise by providing coordination and oversight of new and existing research programs and/or projects. Serves as a liaison to investigators across the campus including Stanley Manne Research Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (NUFSM) Departmental, and associated research labs. Supervises lab personnel including research assistants, associates, and post-docs. Manages laboratory funds and grant budgets. The Research Assistant Professor should have a track record of independent research and peer-reviewed publications and a commitment to collaborative and/or independent research. Develops and conducts scholarly research in collaboration with the Division's Medical Director to secure outside grant and contract funds.

Essential Job Functions:

• Contributes intellectually and strategically to the development of a thematic research projects related to area of research program.

• Design, plan, troubleshoot and execute experiments in an independent manner.

• Writes Institutional Board Review (IRB) protocols in order to obtain the aforementioned tissue specimens.

• Physically consents potential donors and/or supervising adult.

• Writes pertinent protocols that are submitted to and scrutinized by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

• Independently writes research manuscripts; provides final approval for such manuscripts; is responsible for the overall editorial process; acts as the corresponding author for all manuscripts; acts as a reviewer for relevant scientific journals; acts an editor for scientific journals.

• Writes grants based upon data generated in the laboratory to be applied for funding at the national level.

• Writes scientific review articles and book chapters relevant to area of focus.

• Presents research findings at regional, national and international scientific meetings.

• Builds stature in the scientific community with regards specific area of focus.

• Builds scientific knowledge by reading journals and attending seminars.

• Demonstrates initiative in solving problems and implementing new laboratory procedures.

• Supervises research staff.

• Communicates effectively with staff and colleagues.

• Builds working relationship with research personnel, purchasing agents, vendors.

• Builds a network of scientific collaborators from a wide array of basic science and medicine-based disciplines.

• Designs, optimizes, troubleshoots, performs, and analyzes experiments.

• Multi-tasks between at least 2 projects.

• Designs flow panels for BD Spectral flow analyzer/sorter, optimizes antibody dilution and gating with FMOs, runs samples, troubleshoots issues, analyzes data on FlowJo.

• Performs EoE animal models that require topical application, gavage and/or intraperitoneal administration.

• Dissects mice to obtain the esophagus and works with technician and core facilities to process the esophagus for analysis.

• Sterile technique with culture of mast cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells.

• Performs/designs air liquid interface and/or organoids experiments.

• Performs RNA/DNA/Protein Isolation, RT-PCR, ELISA/Western Blot, Immunohistochemistry & Immunofluorescence.

• Performs dissociation of esophageal biopsies to single cell suspension.

• Design/troubleshoot experiments with PI to be conducted by technician.

• Presents at lab meeting and seminars.

• Maintains lab notebook and PowerPoint for each project.

• Communicates effectively with PI, lab personnel, and research coordinator.

• Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts, and publications.

• Works with lab personnel to track/summarize lab supplies/expenses, verify accuracy of invoices, place orders and maintain log of samples, reagents, mice, and supplies.

• Other job functions as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Hold a terminal degree (PhD, MD, DO, or their equivalent) and have completed at least two years of postdoctoral training in an appropriate area

• Advanced computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office and applicable statistical software required.

• Possess an excellent command of the English language; medical and scientific terminology required.

• Ability to operate laboratory equipment sufficient to conduct applicable experiments.

• Organizational skills: Ability to establish priorities and react promptly to a large variety of requests and needs, sometimes in stressful situations.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, GraphPad Prism (or similar graphing software), FlowJo highly preferred.

• Experience working with a diverse group of people.

• Ability to work with PI and lab personnel to design/optimize/troubleshoot/interpret work preferred.

• Ability to follow/write protocols and perform experiments independently and with others highly preferred.

• Contributes intellectually and strategically to lab priorities and experiments with the theme of the research goals of the laboratory preferred.

• Experience with RNA/DNA techniques, sterile technique with cell culture, IHC/IF highly preferred.

• Proficient working with mice to conduct animal models including topical application, gavage, intra-peritoneal administration highly preferred.

• Proficient using BD spectral flow cytometers/sorters preferred.

• Ability to design high parameter spectral panels, optimize antibody dilution and gating strategy with FMOs, running samples, perform FlowJo analysis highly preferred.

• Proficient in manuscript writing, willingness to learn grant writing highly preferred.

Education

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability

• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage

• Tuition assistance

• Student loan servicing and support

• Adoption benefits

• Backup Childcare and Eldercare

• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members

• Discount on services at Lurie Children's facilities

• Discount purchasing program

There's a Place for You with Us

At Lurie Children's we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints - recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.

Lurie Children's and its affiliatesare equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support email: candidatesupport@luriechildrens.org