Staff Scientist

Location: Gordon

Department

BSD OBG - Lengyel Lab

About the Department

The Kenny/Lengyel laboratory is part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/ Section of Gynecologic Oncology, studying the biology of ovarian cancer. The laboratory has about 15 members that use cutting-edge methods, including spatial proteomics, spatial metabolomics, spatial transcriptomics, 3D organotypic cultures of human tissue, in vivo mouse models, spatiotemporal characterization of the immune system, and stable-isotype tracing in patients.

Bioinformatic support and access to all Core facilities at the University of Chicago are available in the laboratory. We develop novel inhibitors to treat ovarian cancers, study biomarkers, histology, and imaging to diagnose ovarian cancers and detect ovarian cancers early, investigate the role of metabolism and methyltransferases in ovarian cancer metastasis, evaluate combinatorial therapeutics as ovarian cancer therapeutics, and examine the role of epithelial and stromal proteins and pathways in ovarian cancers development and progression.

Our translational research laboratory is in the Center for Integrated Science, a research building on campus that houses 40 independent research groups. 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.

Job Summary

The ovarian cancer research laboratory at the University of Chicago, led by Drs. Hilary Kenny and Ernst Lengyel (PIs), is seeking a staff scientist with expertise in bottom-up proteomics to advance plasma proteomics research and/or spatial proteomics (DVP).
Plasma Proteomics Project:
This project aims to establish MS-based plasma proteomic methods capable of distinguishing between benign and malignant ovarian diseases. The ultimate objective is to identify and validate reliable biomarkers to support clinical decision-making, including early detection of tumor recurrence and assessment of chemotherapy response.

Spatial Proteomics Project:
This project aims to use LC-MS/MS-based spatial proteomics (DVP) capable of identifying the origins, development, and response to standard and novel therapy treatment in ovarian cancer patients. The ultimate objective is to identify the origin of different ovarian cancers and effective therapies for individual ovarian cancer patients.

The projects involve active collaboration with the Matthias Mann Lab in Munich, and these projects are integrated within a multidisciplinary translational clinical team.

The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge instruments (e.g. Orbitrap Astral Zoom, Evo Sep One, FAIMS, LMD7) and a large collection of clinically annotated samples, providing a strong foundation for the success of these projects. The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center includes more than 150 funded researchers dedicated to exploring all facets of cancer biology. The position offers a competitive salary, extensive fringe benefits (including supplements for health insurance and retirement) and a structured career development program.

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Responsibilities

• Train, mentor, and supervise laboratory personnel within the development subgroup, including instruction on new techniques, protocol adherence, and data integrity standards.

• Lead collaborative efforts to optimize proteomics methods, analytical modeling, and data interpretation across multidisciplinary and international partnerships.

• Serve as the primary contact for proteomics related collaborations, coordinating scientific priorities, troubleshooting technical challenges, and ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Ensure compliance of all research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including support for IRB protocols and human subject research standards.

• Serve as a scientific resource for data collection, experimental design, and complex data analysis, providing intellectual and technical expertise to advance project goals.

• Review and…