Research Associate II - Social Sciences University of Illinois - Chicago

Research Associate II - Social Sciences

1035649- Research Associate 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: The salary for this position is $45,000

The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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.

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

Perform surveys, interviews, observations or uses other methods according to established research protocols.

Collect, process and analyze data. Summarize research and test results.

May assist with study protocol development.

Coordinate the ordering, inventory and maintenance of equipment, instruments and data collection and analysis tools.

Prepare and contributes statistical data and pertinent information for papers, grants and other documents.

Complete required documentation for regulatory agencies.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Conduct animal studies using established rodent models of chronic alcohol exposure (e.g., Chronic Intermittent Ethanol [CIE]) to assess behavioral and molecular outcomes. Perform molecular and epigenetic assays, including chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-qPCR), DNA methylation analysis (e.g., bisulfite conversion), and RNA extraction and gene expression profiling (qPCR, RNA-seq). Isolate and quantify lipid mediators (e.g., PEA, fatty acids) using lipidomics techniques such as GC-MS. Analyze and interpret experimental data related to alcohol-induced changes in gene regulation, lipid signaling pathways (e.g., PPAR-), and neuroinflammation. Collaborate on data integration, including cross-referencing behavioral, molecular, and lipidomic datasets to identify mechanisms underlying alcohol-related neuroadaptations. Maintain detailed laboratory records and ensure compliance with IACUC, NIH, and institutional protocols for animal research and biosafety. Contribute to scientific publications, prepare figures and manuscripts, and assist in generating preliminary data for grant applications and progress reports. Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and relevant professional development activities. Assist with training junior lab members or students as needed._x000d_ _x000d_

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

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Job Summary:

This position conducts research by assisting with the collection, entry and cleaning of data and descriptive results.
This job opportunity is for a highly motivated researcher to join our lab in 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.

Job Responsibilities (Essential Duties):

Research:

Performs surveys, interviews, observations or uses other methods according to established research protocols. Collect, process, and analyze data. Summarize research and test results. May assist with study protocol development. Coordinate the ordering, inventory and maintenance of equipment, instruments and data collection and analysis tools.

Conduct animal studies using established rodent models of chronic alcohol exposure (e.g., Chronic Intermittent Ethanol [CIE]) to assess behavioral and molecular outcomes. Perform molecular and epigenetic assays, including chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-qPCR), DNA methylation analysis (e.g., bisulfite conversion), and RNA extraction and gene expression profiling (qPCR, RNA-seq). Isolate and quantify lipid mediators (e.g., PEA, fatty acids) using lipidomics techniques such as GC-MS. Analyze and interpret experimental data related to alcohol-induced changes in gene regulation, lipid signaling pathways (e.g., PPAR-), and neuroinflammation. Collaborate on data integration, including cross-referencing behavioral, molecular, and lipidomic datasets to identify mechanisms underlying alcohol-related neuroadaptations. Maintain detailed laboratory records and ensure compliance with IACUC, NIH, and institutional protocols for animal research and biosafety. Contribute to scientific publications, prepare figures and manuscripts, and assist in generating preliminary data for grant applications and progress reports. Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and relevant professional development activities. Assist with training junior lab members or students as needed.

Communication:

Prepare and contribute statistical data and pertinent information for papers, grants, and other documents. Complete required documentation for regulatory agencies.

Best Candidate:

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.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's 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.
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Bachelor's degree in social science or related field. A minimum of one-year related research experience. Knowledge of research concepts, practices, and procedures.
Expertise with GC-MS and handling animals and brain dissection

All applications must be submitted online through the following UIC Job Board:

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an equal opportunity employer including Disability/Vets. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed 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

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