Research Technologist 2, Gastroenterology

Department: MED-Gastroenterology
Salary/Grade: NEX/11

The incumbent will be involved in research on genome regulation at the intersection of inflammation, aging, cancer, and cell biology. Our laboratory studies how the genome regulates and stores information in physical space, particularly how this structure can be manipulated to predict or regulate cell behavior.

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.

Specific Responsibilities:

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

Other (please specify):

• Processing of blook, gastric juice, brushings, stool sample and other human samples.

Miscellaneous

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.

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:

• 1 to 3+ years of prior laboratory experience in an academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical research setting.

• Prior working experience maintaining and manipulating mammalian cell cultures, including sterile technique, passaging, cryopreservation, and viability assessment.

• Prior working experience performing nucleic acid delivery/transfection methods (lipofection, electroporation, or viral delivery).

• Prior working experience involving the preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing workflows, including RNA-seq and/or epigenomic assays such as CUT&TAG, CUT&RUN, or ChIP-seq.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Skill/knowledge with CRISPR-based workflows, including guide RNA handling, delivery, or screening experiments.
• Skill/ability in aseptic technique and ability to independently maintain healthy mammalian cell cultures.
• Ability to execute reproducible transfection and nucleic acid delivery workflows with careful attention to optimization and controls.
• Skill/ability in molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid quantification, RNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing sample QC.
• Knowledge of chromatin and epigenomic assays such as CUT&TAG and related sequencing workflows.
• Ability to troubleshoot experimental variability and identify sources of technical error.
• Action oriented - Willing or likely to take practical action to deal with a problem or situation.
• Coachability - Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement.
• Collaboration - Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team.
• Collegiality - Helpful, respectful, approachable; builds strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Initiative - Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.
• Meets deadlines - Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines.
• Multi-tasking - Demonstrates ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Organization - Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $19.89 - 31.39 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 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.

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