Visiting Research Specialist - Beckman Institute

Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology

Job Summary

Biological Sample Preparation, Histology and Staining

• Process biological specimens, including cell lines, primary cells, organoids, animal tissues and human biospecimens (e.g., biopsies, blood, PBMCs, FFPE samples).
• Prepare buffers and reagents at a high level of accuracy.
• Perform routine and multi-cycle multiplexed immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry and histology staining of cultured cells, primary cells and tissue specimens (e.g., frozen and FFPE sections).
• Prepare biological specimens for optical imaging workflows, including fixation, embedding, sectioning, labeling and mounting.
• Optimize staining protocols and tissue/cell processing methods to ensure compatibility with phase imaging, fluorescence and super-resolution microscopy.
• Prepare standardized sample sets for instrument testing, calibration and biological experiments.
• Work with the engineering team to optimize the automated workflow.
• Work with senior researchers to ensure correct tissue orientation, sectioning strategy and annotation.
• Write, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation related to sample preparation and imaging workflows.

Advanced Microscopy Data Acquisition and Analysis

• Perform data acquisition of biological samples using custom-built optical microscopy systems, including quantitative phase imaging (QPI) systems, large-scale fluorescence imaging platforms and super-resolution microscopy with high image quality.
• Ensure proper sample mounting, instrument alignment checks and adherence to experimental protocols to achieve reproducible imaging results.
• Analyze imaging data using custom-built and in-house software tools under supervision, perform basic quantitative analysis and statistical summaries and prepare organized data reports and figures as requested to support ongoing biological and pathological studies.

Cell Culture and Maintenance

• Maintain and process mammalian cell lines and primary cultures (passaging, viability checks, cryopreservation).
• Support specialized culture systems as needed (immune cells, epithelial cells, co-cultures, simple organoid models, PBMCs).
• Assist with drug treatments, perturbation studies, time-course experiments and sample collection.
• Monitor culture quality (contamination control, morphology, growth rates).
• Maintain rigorous record and metadata documentation for all samples.

Laboratory Operations, Inventory and Biosafety Compliance

• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations and supplies, including chemicals, reagents, antibodies, media and cryopreserved biological materials.
• Maintain organized inventories and databases for biological samples received from internal and external collaborators, ensuring proper labeling, storage and documentation. Order laboratory supplies as needed.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance tasks, including monitoring and replacing deionized water filtration cartridges, checking and maintaining autoclave function and usage logs and routinely replacing liquid nitrogen and CO₂ tanks to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operation.
• Set up and maintain laboratory equipment as needed and coordinate equipment servicing by contacting vendors for troubleshooting, repair or preventive maintenance when issues arise.
• Work with the Division of Research Safety on laboratory inspections, biosafety compliance, biosafety cabinet certification and proper waste disposal.

Training and Support of Laboratory Members

• Train and assist new laboratory members at multiple levels (high school, undergraduate, graduate) in basic cell culture, tissue handling, staining techniques and biosafety procedures.
• Provide hands-on guidance to ensure consistency, reproducibility and adherence to laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Additional Research and Collaborative Responsibilities

• Perform additional appropriate research-related duties in support of the laboratory’s scientific mission, such as assisting with collaborative projects, contributing to method development, troubleshooting biological sample preparation issues, and supporting interdisciplinary research efforts involving imaging, pathology and computational analysis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Bioengineering or a relevant field.
• One (1) or more years’ hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology, biochemical and pathology-related techniques, including cell culture and routine cell or tissue staining (e.g., immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in Chemistry, Biology, Bioengineering, or a relevant field.
• Two (2) or more years of hands-on experience operating advanced optical microscopy systems and preparing biological samples for imaging.
• Experience with tissue processing, sectioning and staining (e.g., frozen or FFPE samples).
• Experience with standard cell and molecular biology techniques such as cell culture, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting (western blot).
• Experience in optical microscopy-based biological studies, including quantitative or fluorescence microscopy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of laboratory safety regulations and biosafety practices.
• Ability to acquire, organize and perform preliminary analysis of imaging data.
• Strong written documentation skills, including development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical notes, summaries and reports and protocol documentation.
• Effective laboratory operations skills, including inventory management and routine equipment setup and maintenance.
• Integrity, reliability and professionalism with adherence to policies and laboratory standards.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in identifying issues, proposing solutions and escalating problems appropriately.
• Ability to contribute to the broader research mission of the laboratory through effective collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining high standards of data quality, reproducibility and safety compliance.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the posting period closes. The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $55,000/year. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements and budget constraints.

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship except for sponsorship of a new H-1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 20, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact jobs@beckman.illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

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.

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

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.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1034978
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu