Research Technologist 3

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 31,960 - 44,937; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plans

Retirement benefits

Tuition discounts

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Chicago seeks a research lab specialist to design and conduct experiments in molecular biology, analyze data, and ensure lab compliance. Responsibilities include independent experimentation, protocol evaluation, and contributing to grant applications. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's or master's degree along with hands-on lab experience. The position offers competitive pay between $23.20 and $32.62 per hour, along with comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 4 years of lab/bench experience with a bachelor's degree or 3 years equivalent experience.
• 1 year of lab/bench experience with a master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Designs, plans and conducts experiments independently.
• Evaluates protocols and recommends process improvements.
• Observes experiments and interprets research data.

Skills

Molecular Biology techniques

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Animal husbandry

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major

Master's or higher degree in a scientific major

Job description

Department: MED-Cancer Center

Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Target hiring range for this position will be between $23.20-$32.62 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

Participates in design and execution of research lab projects. Conducts experimental tests and procedures and processes and analyzes data. Reviews and revises existing research methodologies and may develop new methodologies, mathematical and/or computer models for predicting data. May ensure overall lab compliance with all associated rules and regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Following overall research objectives, independently designs, plans, conducts and troubleshoots experiments.
• Evaluates protocols and data obtained from groups of experiments and recommends changes to processes, procedures and techniques to improve quality and validity of results based upon overall project objectives.

Using an advanced level of skill, completes the following activities (please highlight):

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

Immunology

• Flow cytometry

Animal

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

Administration

• Observes experiments, collects, records, summarizes, analyzes and interprets research data.
• Collates relevant mathematical results.
• Prepares complex tables reflecting relationships of multiple tests.
• Draws scientific conclusions.
• Writes portions of grant applications.
• Co-authors scientific papers.

Finance

• Orders and/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice and/or lab supplies.

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 and 3 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience required; OR
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 1 year lab/bench or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies

• 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, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! 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.