Job Description
Visiting Research Specialist
Hiring Department: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1039245
Posting Close Date: 2/16/2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $43,888 to $55,000 annually. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
The Lysakowski laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking highly energetic and organized applicants for a full-time Visiting Research Specialist position. This role will involve overseeing the maintenance of a biomedical laboratory which uses a combination of histological, cell and molecular methods including tissue harvesting from rodents (specialized inner ear and brain dissection), use of transgenic mouse models in combination with cell biology, biochemistry and imaging studies. The successful candidate will participate in both scientific research and management of the lab. Our research focus is morphological, molecular and cellular mechanisms of structure and function in the auditory and vestibular portions of the inner ear. Experimental procedures include immunochemistry, histology, microscopy, and molecular and cell biological preparations of brain and inner ear mitochondria. Expertise with mouse husbandry is required for this position.
Duties & Responsibilities
Participate in mouse husbandry, colony maintenance, genotyping using PCR and other methodologies, updating mouse colony records.
Maintain inventory of lab supplies and chemicals.
Ordering lab supplies and maintaining laboratory stocks.
Standardize and systematize comprehensive laboratory protocols while maintaining accurate records of the work performed.
Preparation and implementation of general laboratory maintenance protocols (e.g. safety, training, waste management, animal, etc.).
Ensure that laboratory procedures comply with all safety requirements.
Supervise and train new graduate and undergraduate students.
Test, optimize and implement both new and existing methods/techniques.
Collaborate with the PI and other lab members to prepare or perform experimental procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, hiPSC-neuronal and primary neuronal cell culture and live cell imaging.
Use of three microscopes (a departmental confocal, Leica fluorescent microscope, and a Keyence microscope) including training new lab users, and being responsible for its maintenance and care.
Participation in weekly lab meetings, both at UIC and in collaborator’s lab at UChicago.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or biological sciences, preferably in neuroscience, physiology or an equivalent discipline.
A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
Past experience in mouse husbandry, inner ear dissection and histology is required, and is the most critical requirement for this position.
Past experience in Confocal microscopy is required.
Enthusiasm for learning and gaining research and lab management experience, and the ability to coordinate and supervise others effectively.
Self-motivated and organized, and strong communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in biochemical and molecular biology methods is highly desirable.
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and at least three references. To be fully considered for this position, you must apply by 2/16/2026.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, ****** harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Hiring Department: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1039245
Posting Close Date: 2/16/2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $43,888 to $55,000 annually. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
The Lysakowski laboratory in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking highly energetic and organized applicants for a full-time Visiting Research Specialist position. This role will involve overseeing the maintenance of a biomedical laboratory which uses a combination of histological, cell and molecular methods including tissue harvesting from rodents (specialized inner ear and brain dissection), use of transgenic mouse models in combination with cell biology, biochemistry and imaging studies. The successful candidate will participate in both scientific research and management of the lab. Our research focus is morphological, molecular and cellular mechanisms of structure and function in the auditory and vestibular portions of the inner ear. Experimental procedures include immunochemistry, histology, microscopy, and molecular and cell biological preparations of brain and inner ear mitochondria. Expertise with mouse husbandry is required for this position.
Duties & Responsibilities
Participate in mouse husbandry, colony maintenance, genotyping using PCR and other methodologies, updating mouse colony records.
Maintain inventory of lab supplies and chemicals.
Ordering lab supplies and maintaining laboratory stocks.
Standardize and systematize comprehensive laboratory protocols while maintaining accurate records of the work performed.
Preparation and implementation of general laboratory maintenance protocols (e.g. safety, training, waste management, animal, etc.).
Ensure that laboratory procedures comply with all safety requirements.
Supervise and train new graduate and undergraduate students.
Test, optimize and implement both new and existing methods/techniques.
Collaborate with the PI and other lab members to prepare or perform experimental procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, hiPSC-neuronal and primary neuronal cell culture and live cell imaging.
Use of three microscopes (a departmental confocal, Leica fluorescent microscope, and a Keyence microscope) including training new lab users, and being responsible for its maintenance and care.
Participation in weekly lab meetings, both at UIC and in collaborator’s lab at UChicago.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or biological sciences, preferably in neuroscience, physiology or an equivalent discipline.
A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
Past experience in mouse husbandry, inner ear dissection and histology is required, and is the most critical requirement for this position.
Past experience in Confocal microscopy is required.
Enthusiasm for learning and gaining research and lab management experience, and the ability to coordinate and supervise others effectively.
Self-motivated and organized, and strong communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in biochemical and molecular biology methods is highly desirable.
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and at least three references. To be fully considered for this position, you must apply by 2/16/2026.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, ****** harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Visiting Research Specialist position is now open for candidates interested in the Operations Executive Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Operations Executive Jobs is a plus.
