Research Associate - Shilatifard Lab

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition benefits for employee and on a

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement savings options

Job summary

Northwestern University in Chicago seeks a Research Associate to conduct laboratory research on chromatin regulation, epigenetics, and cancer biology, supporting studies of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

The role involves cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemical experiments; documenting results; and contributing to collaborative research and laboratory operations under the principal investigator's direction.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field; OR at least three years of relevant laboratory research experience.
• Hands-on research experience in mammalian tissue culture, basic molecular biology, and biochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Plan, perform, and troubleshoot molecular biology and biochemical experiments, including nucleic acid isolation, PCR, cloning, protein extraction, immunoblotting, and functional assays.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and conduct cell-based experiments, including genetic perturbation, drug treatment, and proliferation or viability assays.
• Support preclinical therapeutic studies, including compound screening, dose‑response testing, and evaluation of drug mechanisms; participate in animal studies and tissue processing as assigned.
• Prepare and process samples for sequencing-based studies, such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and CUT&RUN; analyze data and maintain lab records.
• Coordinate day-to-day research activities, maintain reagents and equipment, and train lab members in established techniques; ensure biosafety and animal-care requirements.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Laboratory research

Documentation and data analysis

Education

Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or related field

Three years of relevant laboratory research experience

Tools

PCR

Cloning

Immunoblotting

RNA-seq

ChIP-seq

CUT&RUN

Job description

Job Information

• Job ID: 54624
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

Department

Department: MED-Biochem&Molecular Genetics
Salary/Grade: RES/

Target hiring range for this position will be $63,480 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary

The Research Associate will conduct laboratory research on chromatin regulation, epigenetics, and cancer biology, supporting studies of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. The position will perform cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemical experiments; analyze and document results; and contribute to collaborative research and laboratory operations under the direction of the principal investigator.

Specific Responsibilities

• Plan, perform, and troubleshoot molecular biology and biochemical experiments, including nucleic acid isolation, PCR, cloning, protein extraction, immunoblotting, and functional assays. Optimize protocols and maintain appropriate controls to generate reliable, reproducible results.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and conduct cell-based experiments, including genetic perturbation, drug treatment, and proliferation or viability assays. Support organoid culture and development of disease‑relevant cellular models as projects require and training permits.
• Support preclinical therapeutic studies, including compound screening, dose‑response testing, and evaluation of drug mechanisms. Participate in animal studies, sample collection, and tissue processing as assigned, after completing required training and protocol authorization.
• Prepare and process samples for sequencing‑based studies, such as RNA‑seq, ChIP‑seq, and CUT&RUN, as assigned. Analyze experimental data, maintain complete research records, and prepare figures and summaries for laboratory meetings, manuscripts, and grant applications.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day research activities, maintain reagents and equipment, and assist with purchasing and inventory. Train laboratory members in established techniques and follow institutional laboratory safety, biosafety, and animal‑care requirements.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field; OR at least three years of relevant laboratory research experience in these areas.
• Hands‑on research experience in mammalian tissue culture, basic molecular biology, and biochemistry.

Minimum Competencies

• Ability to maintain mammalian cell cultures using aseptic techniques and perform routine molecular biology and biochemical assays.
• Ability to follow and optimize protocols, troubleshoot experiments, use appropriate controls, and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills, with the ability to manage multiple experiments and work independently after training.
• Ability to analyze and present experimental results using standard scientific software and comply with laboratory safety requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience with organoid culture, laboratory animal models, drug discovery or development, and sequencing‑related experiments.
• Research experience in epigenetics, chromatin biology, cancer biology, or related areas.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to establish and maintain organoid cultures and perform assays using disease‑relevant models.
• Proficiency in animal handling, preclinical study procedures, and tissue collection under approved protocols.
• Ability to design and evaluate compound screens, dose‑response experiments, and mechanistic studies of drug activity.
• Familiarity with sequencing sample preparation, library preparation, quality control, and basic analysis of genomic or transcriptomic data.

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 parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre‑tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and 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.

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