Research Technologist 3

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 31,960 - 41,204; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Northwestern University in Evanston, IL is seeking a research assistant to participate in the design and execution of lab projects within the MCC Biomedical Engg department. The role involves conducting experiments across molecular biology, cellular biology, immunology, histology, and animal studies, and preparing data, grant writing, and co-authoring papers.

This is a one-year term contingent on performance and funding, with a target hiring range of $23.20–$29.91 per hour and a comprehensive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific major or higher, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's degree in a scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience (1 year lab experience with MS/MS preferred).
• Strong organization and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, plan, conduct and troubleshoot experiments.
• Evaluate protocols and data to improve quality and validity of results.
• Prepare complex tables and draw scientific conclusions; co-author papers.

Skills

Strong organization skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific major

Master's degree in a scientific major

Job description

Evanston, Illinois

Department: MCC Biomedical Engg

Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Target hiring range for this position will be between $23.20 - $29.91 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.

This is a one-year termed position subject to renewal dependent on performance and available funding.

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

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
• Microscopy

Immunology

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

Animal

• Husbandry / Animal Colony Management
• Breedingand screening transgenic mice
• Dissections
• Blood collection
• Surgical procedures
• Database management of colony
• Animal Protocol Writing

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

• Negotiates purchases with vendors.
• Maintains and updates portions of grant budgets.
• Tracks and summarizes lab supply expenses.
• Verifies accuracy of invoices.
• Orders and/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice and/or lab supplies.

Supervision

• Trains and directs other lab EEs and/or students in research techniques and procedures.

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: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong Organization Skills / Communication Skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree / Scientific Writing Experience / Prior Animal Research Experience

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Optical Mapping / Electrophysiology Techniques / Slice Prep / Device Design and Fabrication / 3D Printing / Surgical Skills (e.g. Cardiac Device Implantation / Vagus Nerve Device Implantation) / Coding

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.