Research Technologist 2 - Lerner Lab

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,400 - 34,247; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition benefits for employees and dependents

Generous retirement savings options

Job summary

Northwestern University in Chicago is seeking a highly skilled technologist for the Neuroscience department. The role involves performing stereotaxic surgeries, managing transgenic mouse colonies, data collection, histology, and implementing reproducible workflows aligned with research goals.

The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a scientific field and relevant laboratory experience. This position provides competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health and tuition advantages.

Qualifications

• Completion of a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience and ability to follow research protocols.
• Familiarity with data entry and record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Conduct stereotaxic surgeries and maintain transgenic mouse colonies.
• Coordinate longitudinal data collection for research.
• Contribute to histology and data processing workflows.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Ability to work independently

Team collaboration

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific major

Tools

PCR

Flow Cytometry

Southern Blotting

Job description

Department: MED-Neuroscience

Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Target hiring range for this position will be between $19.89-$24.86 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

Responsibilities include stereotaxic surgeries (viral delivery and implantations), coordination of longitudinal neural and behavioral data collection, and maintenance of transgenic mouse colonies. The technologist will also contribute to histology, data processing, and integration of neural, behavioral, and circuit‑mapping datasets, while helping to implement rigorous, reproducible workflows and open‑science data sharing practices aligned with the goals of the collaborative network.

Specific Responsibilities

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

Cellular Biology

• Cell culture, cell isolation
• Functional studies
• Transfection

Histology

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

Immunology

• Flow cytometry
• ELISA, Elispot assay
• Cytokine assay
• Antibody production and purification

Animal

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

Administration

• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data.
• Manipulates, interprets &/or presents results.
• Prepares charts & graphs for presentations & publications.
• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.
• Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts & publications.

Finance

• Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses.
• Verifies accuracy of invoices.
• Orders &/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies.

Supervises

• Trains students.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Minimum Competencies

• 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;
• Manual dexterity.

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. 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.