Visiting Research Specialist - Burton Lab

Search Extended Until 2/20/26

Hiring Department: Pharmacy Practice

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition : 1035028

Salary: The budgeted salary rate for the position is $50,000 - $58,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

About The University Of Illinois Chicago UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie Research University and a major teaching hospital. UIC serves over 34,000 students, is a Minority Serving Institution, an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges UIC produces nationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in partnership with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges.

UIC is consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Position Summary The Plants, People, and Culture Laboratory of Dr. Tristesse Burton in the Retzky College of Pharmacy at the University of Illinois Chicago is seeking to fill a part‑time (60%) Research Specialist position. The Research Specialist will primarily be responsible for maintaining and running the lab, contributing to the design and delivery of research projects, collaborating with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects, and performing complex laboratory and data‑collection techniques.

The College of Pharmacy at UIC, with campuses in Chicago and Rockford, is the #1 college of pharmacy in Illinois and the #15 in the US according to U.S. News & World Report.

• Laboratory Operations & Maintenance:
  Coordinate lab activities, ensure equipment maintenance, enforce safety protocols, and maintain a safe, organized environment.
• Compliance & Safety:
  Ensure compliance with safety regulations and conduct routine safety inspections.
• Procurement & Inventory Management:
  Manage lab supplies, track budgets, and coordinate with vendors.
• Technical Support & Training:
  Assist with equipment use, train personnel, and troubleshoot experimental protocols.
• Research & Data Management:
  Support sample preparation, data collection, and ensure data integrity.
• Community‑Based Research Support:
  Assist in planning and attending research events, coordinate with community partners, and support culturally relevant interventions. Seek experience in diverse settings and a commitment to expanding cultural competency and humility.
• Botanical Authentication & Mechanistic Studies:
  Assist in botanical authentication through macroscopic/microscopic taxonomic analysis, DNA fingerprinting, and chemical profiling. Support cell‑based assays and gut microbiome analysis for mechanistic studies on plant‑based interventions.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
• Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
• Proficient in specific lab research techniques.

• Master’s degree.
• Experience in mixed‑methodology research, plant‑based interventions, or complementary medicine.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and grant administration.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

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. 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.