Research Associate II - Social Sciences
- University of Illinois Chicago
- Chicago, Illinois
- Full Time
1035649- ResearchAssociate II- Social Sciences
Hiring Department : Psychiatry (NPI)
Location : 900 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60607
Requisition ID : 1035649
Posting Close Date : 07-04-2025
Salary: Thesalary for this position is $45,000
Thesalary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nations 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.
Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .
Position Summary
This position conducts research by assisting with the collection, entry and cleaning of data and descriptive results.
This job involves studying how chronic alcohol exposure induces epigenetic reprogramming in the brain, with a focus on fatty acids and the lipid mediator palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). The position involves using rodent models of alcohol exposure, along with molecular, epigenetic, and lipidomic approaches (e.g., ChIP-qPCR, RNA-seq, GC-MS) to investigate changes in gene regulation, neuroinflammation, and lipid signaling pathways such as PPAR-. The ideal candidate will have experience in neuroscience, molecular biology, or pharmacology, and a strong interest in alcohol use disorders, lipid signaling, and neuroepigenetics.
Duties & Responsibilities
Job Summary:
This position conducts research byassisting with the collection, entry and cleaning of data and descriptiveresults.
This jobopportunity is for a highly motivated researcher to join our lab in studyinghow chronic alcohol exposure induces epigenetic reprogramming in thebrain, with a focus on fatty acids and the lipid mediatorpalmitoylethanolamide (PEA). The position involves using rodent models ofalcohol exposure, along with molecular, epigenetic, and lipidomicapproaches (e.g., ChIP-qPCR, RNA-seq, GC-MS) to investigate changes ingene regulation, neuroinflammation, and lipid signaling pathways suchas PPAR-. The ideal candidate will have experience in neuroscience,molecular biology, or pharmacology, and a strong interest in alcohol usedisorders, lipid signaling, and neuroepigenetics.
Job Responsibilities(Essential Duties):
Research:
Performs surveys, interviews,observations or uses other methods according to established researchprotocols. Collect, process, and analyzedata. Summarize research and testresults. May assist with study protocoldevelopment. Coordinate the ordering,inventory and maintenance of equipment, instruments and data collection andanalysis tools.
Conduct animal studies using establishedrodent models of chronic alcohol exposure (e.g., Chronic Intermittent Ethanol[CIE]) to assess behavioral and molecular outcomes. Perform molecular andepigenetic assays, including chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-qPCR), DNAmethylation analysis (e.g., bisulfite conversion), and RNA extraction and geneexpression profiling (qPCR, RNA-seq). Isolate and quantify lipid mediators(e.g., PEA, fatty acids) using lipidomics techniques such as GC-MS. Analyze andinterpret experimental data related to alcohol-induced changes in generegulation, lipid signaling pathways (e.g., PPAR-), and neuroinflammation.Collaborate on data integration, including cross-referencing behavioral,molecular, and lipidomic datasets to identify mechanisms underlyingalcohol-related neuroadaptations. Maintain detailed laboratory records andensure compliance with IACUC, NIH, and institutional protocols for animalresearch and biosafety. Contribute to scientific publications, prepare figuresand manuscripts, and assist in generating preliminary data for grantapplications and progress reports. Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs,and relevant professional development activities. Assist with training juniorlab members or students as needed.
Communication:
Prepare and contribute statistical dataand pertinent information for papers, grants, and other documents. Complete required documentation forregulatory agencies.
Best Candidate:
Research experience in alcohol-induced epigeneticreprogramming and lipid signaling. Involves using rodent models to study howchronic alcohol exposure alters gene expression through DNA methylation,histone modifications, and changes in lipid mediators such as fatty acids andpalmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Behavioral testing, molecular and lipidomicanalyses (e.g., ChIP-qPCR, RNA-seq, GC-MS/MS), and data interpretation. Experiencein neuroscience, molecular biology, or pharmacology. Cutting-edge research on neuroinflammation,PPAR- signaling, and alcohol-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Perform other related duties andparticipate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in social science or related field required.
- A minimum of one year related research experience.
- Knowledge of research concepts, practices and procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
Research experience in alcohol-induced epigenetic reprogramming and lipid signaling. Involves using rodent models to study how chronic alcohol exposure alters gene expression through DNA methylation, histone modifications, and changes in lipid mediators such as fatty acids and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Behavioral testing, molecular and lipidomic analyses (e.g., ChIP-qPCR, RNA-seq, GC-MS/MS), and data interpretation. Experience in neuroscience, molecular biology, or pharmacology. Cutting-edge research on neuroinflammation, PPAR- signaling, and alcohol-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
:
Bachelors degree in social science orrelated field. A minimum of one-yearrelated research experience. Knowledgeof research concepts, practices, and procedures.
Expertise with GC-MS and handlinganimals and brain dissection
All applications must be submittedonline through the following UIC Job Board:
The University of Illinois Systemrequires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding ofsexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to currentand former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexualharassment. For more information, visit
The University ofIllinois at Chicago is an equal opportunity employer including Disability/Vets.We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environmentfor all employees.
The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on alljob candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will beperformed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Want to find more Chemistry opportunities?
Check out the 17,366 verified Chemistry jobs on iHireChemists
Sign Up for Job Alerts
