Research Technologist 2

Northwestern University US; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university seeks a dedicated individual for histopathology tissue processing. Responsibilities include handling non-clinical specimens, ensuring compliance with lab procedures, and maintaining quality. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in a scientific field and demonstrate laboratory experience, particularly in histology.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Comprehensive wellness programs

Career development resources

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Strong histology training and capability to process tissues efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Conducts basic experiments and analyzes data.
• Performs tissue fixation, processing, and staining.
• Maintains lab compliance with operating procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Laboratory experience

Team oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific major

Job description

Job Summary:

The candidate will be responsible for all stages of histopathology-related tissue processing of non-clinical specimens including: tissue fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy (paraffin, plastic or cryosectioning), standard and special histological staining, as well as quality control. The work involves performing multiple laboratory related duties: tracking job flow, processing paperwork, instrument maintenance and documentation, and communication with client staff and faculty as needed. Experience with immunostaining methods (immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, enzyme histochemistry) and nucleic acid in situ hybridization are highly desirable but not required. The work requires ensuring lab compliance with all associated rules and regulations for standard operating procedures and safety regulations. The position will be on-site at the Mouse Histology & Phenotyping Laboratory (MHPL) at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Chicago campus of Northwestern University.

Specific Responsibilities :

• Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducting basic experiments.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data obtained from individual experiments and recommends alternatives and suggestions to improve processes, validity and/or accuracy.
• Using a fully functioning level of skill, completes the following activities

Molecular Biology:

• DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression Southern, Northern, Western blotting
• PCR, RT-PCR
• Plasmid preparation
• Cloning, mapping and sequencing of DNA
• Recombinant virus production and purification
• Cell culture, cell isolation
• Functional studies
• Transfection
• Flow cytometry
• ELISA, Elispot assay
• Cytokine assay
• Antibody production and purification

Animal:

• Breeding and screening transgenic mice
• Dissections
• Blood collection
• Surgical procedures
• Database management of colony

Histology:

• Tissue fixation/processing: embedding, preparation of blocks and sectioning, staining
• Microscopy

Administration

• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data.

Finance

• Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses.
• Orders &/or maintain inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies.
• Trains students

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

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

• Demonstrated laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions as required by research protocols.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets and basic computations.
• Attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must have strong histology training and capability to efficiently process, embed, and section tissues using a microtome or cryostat.
• Ability to generate high quality paraffin sections on slides at a minimum rate of 20-25 FFPE blocks per hour (this skill must be demonstrated during interview).
• Good understanding of cell biology, developmental biology and vertebrate anatomy and physiology
• Strong familiarity with medical terminologies
• Team oriented

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• ASCP HTL Certification

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Training or work experience in a histopathology lab
• Familiarity or experience with immunostaining methods (chromogenic immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence)

Target hiring range for this position will be between $17.96-$22.03 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.

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 .