Research Technologist 1

Department: MED-Neurological Surgery
Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Job Summary:

Under the guidance and direction of the Senior Scientists and Lab Manager, the Research Technologist 1 performs histological, chemical, and immunological techniques and procedures including flow cytometric analysis, and sorting in support of physician investigators leading translational research studies involving the Nervous System Tumor Bank (NSTB) at Northwestern University. Collects biospecimens from operating rooms, clinics, and autopsy suites at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Central DuPage Hospital, brings them to the NSTB as appropriate, and processes them. Performs administrative tasks, including coordinating postmortem donations. Ensures that all specimens are properly annotated and stored, guaranteeing data integrity and accuracy. Assists in the maintenance of IRB protocols and SOPs for the operation of each tumor bank. The incumbent functions as an integral support to NSTB investigators in their crucial reliance on research data analysis and workflow. Specific duties include: conducts tests and procedures; sets up and operates equipment; records observations and measurements and collects as well as compiles data.

Specific Responsibilities:

Follows pre-defined protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices and conducts standard and repetitive experiments and completes basic trouble-shooting techniques.

Sets-up, operates and maintains standard lab equipment.

Cellular Biology:

• Cell culture, cell isolation

Animal:

• Husbandry

Ensures ongoing organization of laboratory environment

Aids and trains other lab members in routine protocols

Maintains mammalian cell cultures

Prepares buffers and reagents

Records test results and may maintain databases.

Completes standard and routine clerical duties such as copying, filing, data entry, word processing, etc.

Maintains inventory of reagents, mice and lab supplies

Ensures safety and regulatory compliance

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• HS diploma or equivalent and some basic science courses is required

Minimum Competencies:

• 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, accurate record keeping;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform work with precision tools (i.e. pipette tips, scalpels)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in biological sciences;
• Demonstrated laboratory and/or biobanking operations experience, including collecting, processing, annotating and storing biospecimens;
• Experience in microscopy, immunohistochemical staining and imaging;
• Experience working on brain tumor or translational cancer research

Preferred Competencies:
* Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions and research protocols
* Demonstrated computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, database, and basic computations (specifically Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
* Meticulous attention to detail
* Precise and accurate record keeping
* Ability to work independently and in a team environment
* Manual dexterity
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to build rapport with circulating operating room nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary teams
* Knowledge of cancer biology
* Prior database experience relevant to translational research studies and/or tumor bank data
* Knowledge of clinical research best practices and regulations for human subjects protections
* Strong planning, organization and time management skills are necessary
* Confidence and experience in interacting with surgeons, physicians, and scientific experts
* Compliance with IRB protocols and SOPs
* Remaining current in all required human subjects and lab safety trainings

Target hiring range for this position will be between $17.05-$19.16 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.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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