Research Technologist 3, Infectious Disease

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension/retirement options

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition benefits for employee and/deps

Job summary

Northwestern University in Chicago is seeking a research-focused professional to participate in design and execution of infectious disease lab projects. You will conduct experiments, analyze data and refine methodologies to advance ongoing studies.

Responsibilities span molecular, cellular and histology techniques, plus antibody production and animal husbandry tasks. Collaboration and meticulous data management are essential, along with contributing to grant-writing efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in a scientific major required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's or higher in a scientific major preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently designs, plans, conducts and troubleshoots experiments following research objectives.
• Evaluates protocols and data, suggesting changes to improve quality and validity of results.
• Performs molecular biology tasks (DNA/RNA/Protein isolation, cloning, sequencing).
• Maintains and analyzes data, draws scientific conclusions, assists in grant writing and co-authors papers.

Skills

Research planning

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific major

Master's degree in a scientific major

Tools

PCR

ELISA

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Department: MED-Infectious Disease

Salary/Grade: NEX/13

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

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
• 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

• 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.

Preferred Competencies

• Action oriented - Willing or likely to take practical action to deal with a problem or situation.
• Coachability - Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement.
• Collaboration - Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team.
• Collegiality - Helpful, respectful, approachable; builds strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Initiative - Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.
• Meets deadlines - Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines.
• Multi-tasking - Demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Organization - Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive 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

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.