Research Technologist 1 - Nervous System Tumor Bank

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition benefits

Paid vacation

Job summary

Northwestern University in Chicago, IL is seeking a Research Technician 1 for the Nervous System Tumor Bank (NSTB). This role supports collection, processing, storage, and shipment of biospecimens and ensures data integrity in the NSTB inventory system.

You will work in the operating room setting with hospital staff, perform blood processing and tissue accessioning, maintain detailed records, and assist NSTB leadership with data consolidation and sample distribution under approved protocols.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent and some basic science courses required.
• Bachelor's degree in a scientific major preferred.
• One or more years working with human biological specimens in a laboratory setting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Follows protocols, collects and records data, and maintains inventory.
• Sets up, operates and maintains standard lab equipment and databases.
• Performs data entry and assists in distribution of samples per study protocols.

Skills

Data entry

Attention to detail

Independent work

Lab safety

Microsoft Office

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in a scientific major

Tools

REDCap

Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Department: MED-Neurological Surgery

Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Target hiring range for this position will be between be range is as be $17.25-$24.41 per hour. 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

This role sits at the intersection of clinical care and research. The Research Technician 1 for the Nervous System Tumor Bank (NSTB) in the Department of Neurological Surgery is responsible for assisting in the collection, processing, storage, distribution, tracking, and shipment of biological specimens in accordance with approved study protocols. The incumbent ensures the integrity and quality of all biospecimens and associated data that is documented within the NSTB inventory database. This role engages with hospital staff in the surgical operating room setting, including during brain and spinal cord tumor procedures.

• Administrative: maintains detailed records of sample collections, distributions, and any deviations from the protocols; updates inventory of samples on a daily basis using established software practices; uploads participant consent forms to a centralized database on a weekly basis, in alignment with institutional requirements.
• Data collection: manually collects patient data under the supervision of the NSTB Associate Director and Director for entry into the NSTB's database; consolidates collection data from daily sample acquisition and distribution, preparing data for final review by NSTB leadership; assists in the distribution of patient facing survey documents and organization of returned responses.
• Technical: performs blood processing protocols for the isolation and storage of blood components, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, plasma, and serum; follows protocols for tumor tissue accessioning, distribution, and storage; works in a biological safety cabinet following safety protocols for the handling of human blood and tissue; may perform other duties as assigned by the NSTB Associate Director and Director.

Please note

• Position requires walking, approximately 3 miles per day.
• Manual dexterity required for laboratory work.
• Must have high visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, including adequate depth perception.

Specific Responsibilities

• Follows pre-defined protocols, policies, procedure, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices and conducts standard and repetitive experiments and completes basic trouble-shooting techniques.
• Sets-up, operates and maintains standard lab equipment.
• Records results and may maintain databases.
• Completes standard and routine clerical duties such as copying, filing, data entry, word processing, etc.
• Maintains inventory of and lab supplies

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent and some basic science courses is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree or higher degree in a scientific major.
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.
• One or more years working with human biological specimens in a laboratory setting.
• Prior experience with REDCap.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Basic proficiency with computers and Microsoft products, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated and able to work independently.
• Attention to detail and accurate record keeping.

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; 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.