Department
BSD PED - Pediatric Genetics and Genomics

Job Summary
The University of Chicago's Department of Pediatrics, Section of Genetics and Genomics in the Biological Sciences Division seeks a full-time Staff Scientist to support and advance an interdisciplinary research program focused on the genetic, genomic and molecular study of gene regulatory networks in developing organs, particularly cardiac development with respect to Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). In cardiac development, we have identified an essential role for cilia-based Hedgehog signaling in cardiac progenitors, an essential aspect of mammalian cardiac development. Our studies have contributed to a paradigm shift in the understanding of cardiac morphogenesis, which is driven by events in cardiac progenitors rather than in the heart itself (e.g. Hoffmann et al., 2009; Xie et al., 2012; Zhou et al., 2017). We have recently identified a surprising and novel role for Hedgehog signaling in developmental timing control that will be the basis of future projects (Rowton et al. 2020).

The incumbent's primary activity will be academic research conducted in close collaboration with the Moskowitz Lab. The Research Staff Scientist will play a central role in analytic leadership, project coordination, and scientific development across multiple funded studies, including NIH-funded studies involving complex genetic, genomic and molecular study of gene regulatory networks in developing organs.

This position is designed for an individual who brings strong quantitative expertise alongside the ability to coordinate scientific workflows, ensure analytic rigor and reproducibility, and contribute substantively to manuscripts, grant applications, and long-term program development. The role offers opportunities for intellectual leadership, cross-institutional collaboration, and sustained involvement in a growing research portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Provide analytic leadership for clinical, administrative, and registry linked datasets, including development and implementation of analytic plans in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• Ensure analytic rigor, reproducibility, and clear documentation of code, workflows, and outputs, support interpretation and visualization of results for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.
• Coordinate scientific operations across multiple research projects and grants, managing timelines, milestones, and deliverables in alignment with funded aims.
• Serve as a scientific liaison among team members and collaborators across institutions and disciplines; identify and troubleshoot analytic, scientific, or operational challenges.
• Lead and oversee data governance and regulatory coordination, including DUAs, MOUs, data sharing agreements, and support for IRB submissions and compliance.
• Contribute substantively to grant applications, progress reports, and manuscripts, including methods, analytic plans, preliminary data, and coordination of co-authors.
• Support strategic development of the research program by identifying opportunities to enhance analytic capacity, data infrastructure, collaborations, and funding.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.
• 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Experience conducting and analyzing complex biomedical, genetic, genomic, molecular, or related scientific research.
• Experience developing and implementing analytic approaches in collaboration with Principal Investigators and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience contributing to scientific manuscripts, presentations, grant applications, or other scholarly research products.
• Experience coordinating research activities across multiple projects, investigators, or collaborating institutions.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem solving skills with the ability to interpret complex research data and scientific findings.
• Strong knowledge of research methods, study design, and principles of scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate scientific information effectively and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment and initiative while collaborating effectively with Principal Investigators, multidisciplinary research teams, and external partners.
• Strong attention to detail and working knowledge of research regulatory requirements, data governance, and applicable research policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.
• Requires extended periods of computer work and data analysis.
• May require occasional attendance at research meetings, presentations, or collaborative activities outside of regular work location.
• May require flexibility to meet research, grant, publication, or project deadlines.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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
Yes

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.