Research Associate

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Pre-tax benefits

Retirement options

Job summary

The Comprehensive Transplant Immunobiology Laboratory (CTIL) at Northwestern University is seeking a Research Associate to develop and apply cell-based assays and 3D tissue models in collaboration with Pandorum International. The role combines mammalian cell culture, disease-relevant model development, biochemical analysis, and evaluation of biological activity.

The successful candidate will own experimental plans, analyze results, and collaborate to achieve research milestones while mentoring

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biotechnology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, pharmacology, neuroscience, or related field.
• Post-Ph.D. research or industry experience (2–3 years) preferred.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture, cell biology and molecular biology skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform biochemical, molecular and cell-based assays; analyze results and maintain records.
• Design controlled experiments with objectives, comparators and replication.
• Develop human cellular and 3D tissue models (spheroids/organoids) for disease-relevant systems.
• Characterize materials with biochemical/molecular methods and quantitative assays.
• Evaluate responses, model reproducibility and tissue function with proper controls.
• Own experimental plans, mentor junior team members and document SOPs.

Skills

Scientific ownership

Experimental design

Laboratory execution

Data analysis

Problem solving

Collaboration

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Biotechnology or related life-science discipline

Tools

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Quantitative imaging

Organoid culture

Job description

Department: MED-Transplant Surgery

Salary/Grade: RES/

Location: Chicago, Illinois.

The minimum pay for this position is $63,480 in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Job Summary

The Comprehensive Transplant Immunobiology Laboratory (CTIL) at Northwestern University, Chicago, is seeking a Research Associate to perform the development and application of cell-based assays and three-dimensional tissue models. This unique position is in collaboration with Pandorum International, a tissue engineering and regenerative medicine company, and combines mammalian cell culture, disease-relevant model development, biochemical analysis, and evaluation of biological activity.

This research staff member will take ownership of laboratory studies, develop reliable methods, analyze results, and collaborate with colleagues to deliver research milestones.

Team Collaboration

Collaborate with colleagues in Pandorum Technologies, India, and other scientific functions. Share methods and results, contribute to technical discussions, and support coordinated project delivery.

Specific Responsibilities

• Perform biochemical, molecular and cell-based assays; analyze results and maintain complete laboratory records.
• Design controlled experiments with predefined objectives, appropriate comparators and biological replication; retain complete records and critically assess all findings.
• Establish, maintain and characterize human cellular, multicellular and 3D tissue models, including spheroids or organoids appropriate to the research question.
• Develop and qualify assays for biological activity in disease-relevant systems, drawing on expertise in inflammation, fibrosis and tissue repair.
• Characterize experimental materials using appropriate biochemical and molecular methods, and perform quantitative cell-based assays.
• Evaluate concentration-dependent and time-dependent responses, model reproducibility and tissue-relevant function alongside viability and appropriate controls.
• Work with colleagues to investigate assay variability, establish suitable controls and improve method reproducibility.
• Prepare technical reports, present findings, and contribute to assay transfer and preclinical study documentation.
• Own experimental plans and milestones, maintain SOPs and technical reports, communicate findings clearly, and mentor junior team members.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a related life-science discipline.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

Scientific ownership | Experimental design | Laboratory execution | Data analysis | Problem-solving | Collaboration | Communication | Mentoring

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-3 years of relevant post-Ph.D. research or industry experience; demonstrated scientific independence and directly relevant expertise will guide assessment.
• Experience with quantitative imaging, molecular assays, and integration of structural and functional readouts; assay transfer or collaboration with external research laboratories.
• Strong hands-on mammalian cell-culture, cell-biology, and molecular-biology skills, with evidence of independent experimental design, troubleshooting, and quantitative data interpretation.
• Ability to perform and interpret biochemical or molecular characterization alongside quantitative cell-based assays, with clear documentation and scientific communication.
• Demonstrated independent ownership of disease-relevant assay development, including hands-on establishment and characterization of at least one human 3D culture, spheroid, organoid, or multicellular tissue model.
• Scientific depth in inflammation, fibrosis, tissue repair, neurobiology, or a related area, with the ability to apply that expertise across experimental systems.
• Working understanding of cellular signaling, gene expression, and molecular mechanisms relevant to cell-based research.
• Experience with organoid development, stem-cell differentiation or advanced human co-culture models.
• Experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) maintenance and characterization, directed differentiation, or neuronal/glial cultures.
• Experience with extracellular-vesicle (EV) biology, biochemical characterization, or functional and potency assays.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include:

• health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid medical/sick and parentalleave
• tuition benefits for the employee and dependents
• pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care
• generous retirement savings options
• wellness programs

For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

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. Job 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.