Research Technologist 2 or 3 - Neurology

Department: MED-Neurology
Salary/Grade: NEX/11 to NEX/13

Job Summary

A cover letter detailing your background, interest in the lab, and career plans is highly preferred with your application.

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.

McGraw Lab is dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of refractory seizure disorders and the development of novel interventions through cross-species approaches. Towards these goals, the lab uses a number of common and advanced techniques including molecular biology; electrophysiology; genetics; animal models of treatment refractory seizure disorders (zebrafish and mouse); live imaging using genetically encoded calcium indicators (GCaMP6); CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering; chemical and genetic screening; and data analysis using MATLAB/R. Lab website: https://epilepsy-genetics.mgh.harvard.edu/

Please note this is a multi-level position that can be hired as either a Research Tech 2 or Research Tech 3 based on the minimum qualifications met.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $ 19.89 to $28.97 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.

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

Cellular Biology:

• Cell culture, cell isolation
• Functional studies
• Transfection

Histology:

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

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

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.
• Performs other related 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 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.
• Manual dexterity

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• 1 year of molecular biology lab experience

Preferred Competencies:

• Experience working with animals (mouse and/or zebrafish)
• Experience with conventional molecular biology protocols for cloning, preparing DNA or RNA for microinjections
• Willing to commit to the lab for 2 years

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 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.

#LI-SA1