Research Technologist 2

Department: MCC Biomedical Engg

Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Target hiring range for this position will be between $20.51 - $28.85 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.

The Research Technologist 2 will serve as a subject matter specialist for experimental research projects focused on measuring chromatin-regulated transcriptional plasticity as a novel class of biomarkers for cancer screening and other disease applications. Upon provided with the objectives, deadlines and specific instructions, the Research Technologist is expected to use his/hers advanced knowledge of the required methods, analysis and non-routine problem solving skills to independently plan and conduct multiple complex experiments and revise both protocols and data as necessary.

The Research Technologist will serve as the primary point of contact for clinical sample collection, microscope operation, and instrument maintenance. In this role, the incumbent will support experimental research projects by measuring the optical properties of biological cells using several proprietary imaging technologies. Responsibilities also include comparing imaging-based predictions of transcriptional plasticity with sequencing data and supporting collaborations across research teams. The Research Technologist will act as a key resource for research staff, students, and external collaborators involved in these projects.

Specifically, the Research Technologist will be responsible for the daily operation, management, and maintenance of the Partial Wave Spectroscopy (PWS) microscope and spectroscopic Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (sSMLM) systems. Responsibilities also include preparing biological samples for optical characterization and coordinating the collection, processing, and documentation of clinical samples, including maintaining accurate sample logs and records.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Maintaining proprietary imaging systems and training research staff, students, and collaborators in their operation and best practices.
• Coordinating the collection, processing, and data acquisition of clinical samples.
• Managing the daily operations of the tissue culture laboratory, including culturing, plating, distributing, maintaining, and banking cell lines.
• Preparing scientific figures, data summaries, and other research materials for peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and grant applications.

Important aspects of this role include excellent organization skills, flexibility, and the ability to thrive in an efficient, highly interactive, goal-oriented team environment.

The laboratory skills and training include expertise in microscopy, data collection and analysis, mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, cell culture techniques, sequencing, and clean room and microscopes maintenance.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong organizational skills, independence, flexibility, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and goal-oriented research environment.

Required laboratory skills and experience include:

• Developing and implementing protocols for the preparation and analysis of histological and biological samples.
• Experience in advanced microscopy techniques.
• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic techniques, sterile media preparation, and cell viability assays.
• Experience with DNA and/or RNA sequencing methodologies and the integration of sequencing data with experimental research findings.

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

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, Western blotting
• PCR, RT-PCR
• Cloning, mapping and sequencing of DNA

Cellular Biology:

• Cell culture, cell isolation
• Functional studies

Histology:

• Tissue fixation/processing: embedding, preparation of blocks and sectioning, staining
• Microscopy

Other (please specify):

• Microsocpy:
• Digital microscopy
• Partial Wave Spectroscopic (PWS);
• Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (sSMLM)
• Software:
• MATLAB, LabVIEW.

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.

Supervises

• Trains students.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelors 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;
• Manual dexterity.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• A Masters degree in a technical field (e.g. biology, biochemistry, microbiology, biomedical, optical, chemical engineering, physics, chemistry) or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Two years or more of lab experience including cell culture techniques, media preparation and molecular biology methods.
• Strong knowledge of microscopy and partial wave spectroscopic microscopy
• Computer skills and experience with the Microsoft Office Suite, LabVIEW and Matlab;

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Skilled in diverse forms of microscopy and basic optics instrumentation (e.g. spectrometer, microscopes);
• Skilled in experimental design data analysis, and statistical methods;
• Experience in computer programming and data analysis, including experience with LabVIEW and MATLAB for instrument control, data acquisition, and data processing.
• Ability to culture, maintain, and characterize mammalian and/or primary cell lines for preclinical (In Vivo and In Vitro) studies;
• Experience working with both cell lines and tissue samples;
• Experience preparing samples and acquiring data from a variety of cell types, slide formats, and media conditions while meeting established specifications and project timelines;
• Demonstrated excellent attention to detail, with the ability to work efficiently and accurately while managing multiple tasks and delivering high-quality results;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with department managers, team members and collaborators across departments;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and meet project deadlines.

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 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.