University of Chicago

University of Chicago

Microbiology Research Program Sr. Specialist

Chicago, IL · Senior · Contract

Sponsorship not specified$100k-$140kDetected 7 hours ago
StatisticsPublic HealthGMPFDA RegulatoryResearchLab ResearchAnimal StudiesCommunication

> stay_score

odds of building a lasting career here

88Lottery-free
Cap-exempt (no lottery)100
Sponsors year-round90
Entry-level history60
PERM / green-card track50
Fits your clock70

Files H-1B any time — no cap, no lottery. The 2026 weighted-selection rule doesn't touch it, which makes this the strongest structural path for entry-level talent. Pay is often lower, but your odds of staying are dramatically higher.

Lottery odds assume a STEM candidate.

Personalize to your clock →

> community_outcomes

No reports yet — be the first to help the next applicant.

About the role

  • This position is well-suited for an experienced microbiology professional who combines deep technical expertise in microbiology and vaccine-related research with strong programmatic, regulatory, and communication skills.
  • This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract.
  • Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

  • Manage high-impact research initiatives, including those related to vaccine development (e.g., antigen selection, formulation studies, immunogenicity assessments), ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to high scientific standards.
  • Implement and oversee quality assurance of research performed by others to guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and validity of data, particularly for studies informing vaccine candidate selection and preclinical evaluation.
  • Implement standardized protocols and manage data to prevent errors across all pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of a study.
  • Independently perform a wide range of highly technical and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures, including those relevant to evaluating vaccine candidates (e.g., in vitro and ex vivo models, pathogen characterization, immune readouts).
  • Oversee biosafety practices, laboratory equipment maintenance, and laboratory documentation to support compliance and audit readiness for studies involving pathogens and vaccine candidates.
  • Serve as a cross-functional subject matter expert for other research personnel and institutional partners.
  • Assist the PI by drafting, editing, and proofreading funding proposal documents; prepare written materials, figures, charts, and graphs on specialized techniques and research results for peer-reviewed scientific publication or presentation, including vaccine-related findings (e.g., immunogenicity, efficacy, mechanistic studies).
  • Uses specialized depth and breadth of expertise to lead and conduct research experiments.
  • Interprets and collects data and trains others in the interpretation of data. Leads the dissemination of data and significantly contributes to scientific publications and grant writing.
  • Leads others to solve complex problems, providing expertise to the team which includes of scientists and clinicians from the University and nationally.

Requirements

  • When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Nice to have

  • 7+ years in vaccine development and conducting advanced microbiology research in an academic, clinical, or industry setting.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in designing, executing, and troubleshooting complex microbiology experiments and assays.
  • Experience implementing and maintaining standardized laboratory protocols, quality control procedures, and data management practices.
  • Familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks and biosafety requirements
  • experience working under IBC oversight.
  • Proven ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex scientific data.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience contributing to grants, manuscripts, and scientific presentations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and to provide technical guidance to other research staff.

Compensation

  • $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 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.
  • The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information.

Benefits

  • 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.

Equal opportunity

  • Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
  • Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the
Apply directly at University of Chicago →Create a free account for alerts like thisView University of Chicago immigration profile

This listing is sourced directly from University of Chicago's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.