Research Technologist 2 - Satchell Lab

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Parental leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement savings options

Wellness programs

Job summary

Northwestern University in Chicago is seeking a technical specialist to support infectious diseases research through recombinant protein expression, purification, and crystallization. You will transform E.

coli and mammalian cells, run small-scale and large-scale expressions, and monitor purification and crystallization steps with automation tools, collaborating with the project manager and lab staff. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field and hands-on lab experience, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific major or related field.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain records.
• Strong computer skills including spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Follow protocols to design, set up and conduct basic experiments.
• Analyze data and troubleshoot protocols.
• Perform protein expression, purification and crystallization setup.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and report progress.
• Work with project manager and lab manager on reagents and routine prep.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Follow detailed instructions

Computer skills

Teamwork

Manual dexterity

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific major

Tools

AKTA FPLC

Gel electrophoresis

Liquid handling robots

Job description

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Department

MED-Microbiology-Immunology

Salary

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

Technical specialist in recombinant protein expression, purification, and crystallization to support infectious diseases research program, including impact for antimicrobial resistance, bacterial and viral pathogenesis, and tick-borne infections. Position will participate in established workflow to transform E. coli and mammalian cells, conduct small expression trials and large-scale protein expression, perform column chromatography by gravity and using an AKTA FPLC. Protein purification will be monitored by gel electrophoresis and set up and monitored for crystallization using liquid handling robots. Will work with center project manager who will assign specific projects and with lab manager to handle routine reagent prep and lab maintenance. Follows appropriate protocols, policies, procedures, and regulations. Maintains laboratory notebook and reports progress to managers and internal database. Expected to work well in a team environment and share results at biweekly meetings.

Notice

Work conducted at Biological Safety Level 2 and 2+

Specific Responsibilities

• Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts 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, Protein isolation, purification and expression

Cellular Biology

• Cell culture
• Transfection

Other (please specify)

• Protein crystallization set up
• Maintains stock reagents and media

Administration

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

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in column chromatography for protein purification
• Prior experience for protein expression for protein purification

Preferred Competencies

• Use of liquid handling robots
• Knowledge base in biochemistry and structural biology

Benefits

• 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
• wellness programs

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.