Lab Research Tech 2 - Microbial Pathogens & Immunity - Part-time

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Microbial Pathogens & Immunity

Work Type: Part Time (Total FTE between 0.5 and 0.89)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 4 Hr (9:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $20.19 - $28.52 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:

Job Summary:
A Lab Research Technician is a technical specialist who supports laboratory operations through hands-on execution of established procedures, equipment operation, specimen handling, and compliance with safety and quality standards. The role emphasizes technical accuracy, consistency, and operational reliability, with limited responsibility for research interpretation or study design.
The Lab Research Technician 2 performs specialized laboratory procedures under limited supervision to support research studies and laboratory operations. This role prepares equipment, collects and processes samples, performs analytical techniques, and contributes to data analysis and presentation. The Lab Research Technician 2 ensures quality standards, safety compliance, and efficient workflows, while assisting in protocol adaptation and training junior staff.
Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other information:
Required Job Qualifications:
Education: Associate’s degree in a biological or chemical science or Equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge of specimen handling, labeling, storage, and sample tracking
Familiarity with laboratory equipment, routine maintenance, and calibration
Understanding of scientific protocols and laboratory methodology
Skill in identifying equipment issues and escalating technical problems
Ability to perform data calculations, statistical analysis, and validation
Knowledge of biosafety, chemical hygiene, and radiation safety standards
Attention to detail in documentation and data organization
Ability to interpret results and recognize data trends or deviations
Effective oral and written communication in technical settings
Skill in training or mentoring peers on laboratory procedures
Commitment to compliance, accuracy, and professional conduct

Preferred Job Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a biological or chemical science with applied laboratory coursework

Physical Demands:

Requires use of fine motor skills for laboratory tasks such as pipetting, specimen handling, equipment operation, labeling, and data entry
Requires visual acuity and manual dexterity to accurately operate laboratory instruments, read measurements, and document information
Frequently stands or walks while performing laboratory procedures and moving between workstations
Occasionally lifts, carries, or moves laboratory supplies or equipment weighing up to 25 lbs
Must safely work in laboratory environments involving chemicals, biological specimens, temperature-controlled equipment, or mechanical devices while following established safety protocols and wearing required personal protective equipment

Competencies:

Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Responsibilities:
Job Responsibilities:

Under limited supervision, collect, label, log, and store biological samples in accordance with study protocols; monitor sample integrity and coordinate sample tracking.
Prepare basic and specialized laboratory equipment for use following established protocols. Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, calibration checks, and restocking of supplies. Maintain inventory of equipment reagents/consumables. Alert senior staff to equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs.
Conduct basic and complex laboratory techniques and procedures following established protocols. Prepare reagents and solutions. Modify or adapt protocols to meet experimental needs, with senior staff input.
Operate and troubleshoot basic and advanced laboratory equipment. Monitor equipment during procedures and record observations/results. Escalate unresolved performance issues. Train staff on equipment.
Record, organize, and analyze collected data in laboratory notebook or digital equivalent. Perform complex calculations and use basic statistical/computational tools for data analysis. Perform data validation.
Follow and ensure compliance with institutional policies biosafety, chemical safety, and radiation safety. Wear appropriate PPE. Follow institutional waste disposal procedures. Report spills, exposures, and injuries promptly. Conduct laboratory safety self-inspections. Maintain chemical inventory using 3E Online platform.
Maintain organized laboratory notebook or digital equivalent. Prepare data summaries, figures, and present observations/results with peers, scientists, and senior staff. Assist in preparing materials for reports, presentations, or publications.
Conduct preliminary analyses and interpret data/results. Recognize data patterns and deviations. Communicate findings to peers, scientists, and senior staff. Assist in troubleshooting errors.
Complete required trainings and training renewals. Train/mentor incoming laboratory staff, students, interns, etc. on laboratory techniques, equipment, protocols, and workflows.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support daily research operations.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

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