Research Technologist II — Cancer Lab Scientist

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 33,062 - 38,297; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plans

Retirement benefits

Tuition discounts

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Chicago seeks a Laboratory Research Assistant to conduct experimental lab work. Responsibilities include following protocols, analyzing data, and supporting research projects. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in a scientific field along with demonstrated laboratory experience and attention to detail. This role offers competitive pay and various professional development resources.

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.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions as required by research protocols.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets and basic computations.

Responsibilities

• Conducts experimental research lab work and assists in design of project phases.
• Follows protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts basic experiments.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data from experiments.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Manual dexterity

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific major

Job description

Department: MED-Radiation Oncology
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:

Conducts experimental research lab work and/or assists in design of one or more specific phase(s) of entire project(s). May complete mathematical calculations, and/or computer tasks and/or assist in judging validity of data. Follows appropriate protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices.

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, 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
• Cell culture, cell isolation
• Functional studies
• Transfection

Histology:

• Tissue fixation/processing: embedding, preparation of blocks and sectioning, staining
• Flow cytometry
• ELISA, Elispot assay
• Cytokine assay
• Antibody production and purification

Animal:

• 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.
• Trains students.

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: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

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;

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field and knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment, or Master's degree in biological sciences or related field and one-year experience.

Preferred minimum of one - two years of experience in a research or related laboratory environment.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

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.