Senior Research Technologist

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 37,277 - 46,604; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid vacation

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Northwestern University in Chicago is seeking an experienced laboratory researcher to conduct complex experimental research in a research lab. The candidate will function as a technical expert, manage multiple experiment protocols, and ensure lab compliance with regulations.

The role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific field and relevant lab experience. Northwestern provides comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and tuition benefits. A flexible work environment is supported.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related field.
• 5 years of lab/bench or relevant experience; or 3 years with a master's degree.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed research protocols.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex experimental research as a technical expert.
• Establish and optimize lab protocols for multiple experiments.
• Oversee lab compliance and manage databases.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Computer skills

Ability to work independently

Teamwork skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific major

Master's degree in a scientific major

Tools

Western blotting

PCR

Flow cytometry

Job description

Target hiring range for this position will be between be range is as be $27.06-$33.83 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 complex experimental research in a research lab, functioning as a specialist or technical expert. May manage one or more phase(s) of a major project(s) or all activities of a small project. May ensure overall lab compliance with all associated rules and regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Acting as a technical expert or specialist in a particular field within a research lab, establishes and optimizes protocols and coordinates conduct of multiple complex experiments.
• Reviews results and revises protocols as necessary to ensure that project objectives are attained.
• Using an expert level of skill, completes the following activities

Molecular Biology

• DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression
• 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
• Flow cytometry
• ELISA, Elispot assay
• Cytokine assay

Animal

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

Administration

• Oversees and manages lab databases which may include ensuring that experiments are observed and that data is collected and entered correctly.
• Reviews and analyzes data.
• Creates computer models, graphs, reports and summaries for use in publications, professional journals, and grant applications.
• Co-authors scientific papers for presentation and publication.
• Creates and maintains lab manuals regarding operating, safety, and etc. procedures.

Finance

• Creates lab financial plan and budget/audit expenses.
• Obtains sales quotes for lab equipment and supplies.
• Reviews and adjusts expenses to decrease costs.
• Oversees repair and maintenance of all lab equipment.
• Ensures that lab supplies are ready and available when necessary.

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 5 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 3 years' lab/bench or other relevant 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 Competencies (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Prior experience working with animals and mammalian cells and general laboratory techniques. Basic knowledge of biology.

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 parental leave; 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.