BSD NSU - Research
Neurosurgeons at UChicago Medicine are devoted to patient care, research, and teaching. These experts in the Department of Neurological Surgery offer the full spectrum of neurosurgical services for children and adults with brain diseases including aggressive brain tumors, back and spine degenerative diseases, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Our surgeons are truly at the forefront of neurosurgical care, utilizing the most advanced and sophisticated technologies and techniques to treat diseases of the brain and spine. Our expertise goes beyond that of delivering the best medical care; research is an integral part of our mission. With significant funding from the NIH in both bench and translational research, our staff and faculty are actively investigating complex conditions that affect the central nervous system, including cancer stem cell theory and aggressive brain cancers as well as the mechanisms behind cerebrovascular anomalies. This work serves as the groundwork for many new applications in neurosurgery, which will benefit patients for many years to come.
The Staff Scientist contributes to the scientific direction of the Thompson Lab by performing complex laboratory techniques, teaching basic laboratory techniques, and overseeing daily operations of the laboratory.

The Thompson Lab focuses on 1) elucidating the cellular molecular mechanisms of the leptomeningeal dissemination of pediatric brain tumors such as medulloblastoma, 2) identifying/developing novel therapeutic agents to treat leptomeningeal metastases, and 3) developing novel peptide vaccines to treat pediatric brain tumors.

• Organizes data into professional format, performs data reconstruction and analysis, summarizes results, and presents data to PI. Effectively communicates, coordinates, and troubleshoots team-based research efforts through participation in laboratory and research meetings. May collaborate with clinical and basic scientists in other labs. Represents the PI as needed.
• Maintains clear, accurate, complete, and timely reports of experiments.
• Maintains records to ensure compliance with biosafety, radiation safety, animal protocols, compliance reports, instrument maintenance, and supply orders. Notifies PI of any potential violations of regulations.
• Performs routine library work, including finding literature and copying articles.
• Supervises and trains trainees and other lab personnel in research techniques, instruments, laboratory methods, procedures, and safety.
• Helps monitor compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Specifically maintains records for compliance (purchasing, compliance with institutional protocols, etc.).
• Assures maintenance and good working condition of equipment to ensure continuum of research.
• Participates in research with laboratory animals including surgical procedures.
• Performs experiments using human-derived brain tumor cells including Western blots, flow cytometry, viability assays, etc.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Advanced knowledge in biological sciences or chemistry.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to learn new research techniques or methods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to train others.
• Familiarity with grant preparation.
• Knowledge of scientific programs such as SPSS, Adobe Creative Suite and Bioinformatics programs.
• Knowledge of scientific applications and equipment.
• History of peer-reviewed publications in relevant field.

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Research
Individual Contributor
Exempt
Monthly
40
Yes
Yes
Yes
No