Senior Research Technologist

Department: MED-Mesulam Ctr Cog Neur & Alz
Salary/Grade: NEX/15

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.

The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease (Mesulam Center) is a multidepartmental component of the Feinberg School of Medicine. We specialize in the clinical care and scientific study of neurological diseases that interfere with cognition and behavior. Areas of emphasis include age-related memory impairments, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal degenerations, primary progressive aphasia, and related neurodegenerative conditions.

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
    • 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
    • Immunofluorescence (multiplexed)
    • Microscopy
    • Digital image acquisition and analyses
  • 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
  • Other (please specify):
    • -Performs complex brain and fluid biospecimen banking protocols
    • -Fluid biospecimen processing
    • -DNA extraction

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.
• 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.

Supervision

• Trains, directs, assigns duties to and may supervise lab EEs, students, residents and/or fellows.

Miscellaneous

• Completes 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.)

• Basic histology experience (including tissue embedding, cutting sections from fixed paraffin embedded blocks, immunohistochemical staining).
• Ability to work up new antibodies and optimize immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining.
• Biospecimen management expertise (e.g. prior brain banking or tissue repository management experience for 2+ years).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Histology training and certification (HT or HTL certified or eligible from ASCP).

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Strong leadership qualities.
• Careful record keeping abilities and attention to detail.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $27.06-$38.06 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.

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.

#LI-ER1