Core Technician Core Specialist

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,590 - 36,988; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition benefits for employees and dependents

Retirement savings options

Job summary

Northwestern University in Chicago is seeking a Core Technologist to join the NUSeq Core Facility, a hub for cutting-edge genomics research. This position involves preparing NGS libraries, operating sequencing platforms, and generating high-quality data for a wide range of applications.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience, including strong troubleshooting skills and attention to detail. Comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field; preferred 2+ years of technical experience.
• Demonstrated experience with NGS library preparation and sequencing platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare diverse NGS library types using manual and automated workflows.
• Operate and maintain multiple sequencing platforms.
• Generate and deliver high‑quality sequencing data to researchers.

Skills

NGS library preparation

Sequencing platforms operation

Troubleshooting skills

Attention to detail

Organizational abilities

Communication abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Illumina NovaSeq X Plus

PacBio Revio

Mass spectrometry

Flow cytometry

Job description

Job Overview

Department: MED-Center for Genetic Med
Salary/Grade: NEX/12
Target hiring range: $21.48–$26.85 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and market alignment.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Marketing Statement

The NUSeq (Genomics) Core Facility invites applications for a Core Technologist to join a dynamic team advancing cutting‑edge genomics research. NUSeq is the only university‑wide genomics core facility at Northwestern, spanning wet lab and bioinformatics operations, supporting both the Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and the Evanston Campus, as well as external academic and industrial organizations. The facility houses state‑of‑the‑art sequencing platforms including Illumina NovaSeq X Plus, MiSeq i100, Element AVITI, Complete Genomics T1+, PacBio Revio, and Oxford Nanopore technologies. It is deeply invested in emerging technologies such as single‑cell multiomics (since 2017) and spatial transcriptomics (since 2021). NUSeq processes high volumes of samples across diverse applications: RNA‑seq, whole‑genome and exome sequencing, ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq, methyl‑seq, microbiome profiling, and more. With a user base of 2,600 researchers across 1,000 research groups, NUSeq plays a pivotal role in enabling high‑impact science across multiple disciplines. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of genomics in a collaborative, fast‑paced, and innovation‑driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare diverse NGS library types using manual and automated workflows.
• Operate and maintain multiple sequencing platforms.
• Troubleshoot and optimize NGS workflows.
• Generate and deliver high‑quality sequencing data to researchers.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and methods to improve performance.

Additional Responsibilities

• Enter and manage billing services in the core’s automated system.
• Compile and maintain accurate billing information; assist with invoicing.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and document all work accurately.
• Interact with core staff and external users to facilitate project success.
• Ensure compliance with university safety protocols, sterile procedures, and reagent preparation.
• Plan, conduct, and evaluate low‑ to moderate‑complexity experiments and assays.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; report findings.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, basic repairs, and troubleshooting.
• Execute specialized services and maintain compliance with federal and sponsor regulations.
• Assist in training technicians, trainees, and researchers on instrument and equipment operation.

Technical Expertise (Examples)

• DNA, RNA, and protein isolation, purification, expression, Western/Northern blotting.
• PCR, RT‑PCR, plasmid preparation, cloning, and recombinant virus production.
• Cell culture, isolation, transfection, immunofluorescence assays, and microscopy analysis.
• Column chromatography, HPLC, NMR, mass spectrometry, and solid‑phase extraction.
• Immunohistochemistry, histology processing, and flow cytometry.
• Animal husbandry, transgenic breeding, surgical procedures, and colony database management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field; preferred 2+ years of technical experience.
• Demonstrated experience with NGS library preparation and sequencing platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities.

Benefits

Northwestern offers comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation, holidays, medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre‑tax and flex spending accounts; retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a full benefits overview, visit Northwestern Benefits.

Work‑Life and Wellness

Northwestern provides programs and services to support healthy lifestyles and life challenges, including flexible work arrangements and resources for childcare and senior/adult care. Learn more at Work‑Life & Wellness.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports career development regardless of workspace location through tools, resources, and ongoing education opportunities. More information is available at Professional Development.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non‑discrimination statement. Applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.