Research Technologist 2

Department: MED-Neurological Surgery
Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Job Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Atique Ahmed conducts basic and translational studies in the biology of cellular plasticity in brain tumors. Current research in our lab focuses on understanding the evaluation of therapeutic resistance and diseases recurrence in brain cancer, including investigating the role of cellular and epigenetic plasticity in brain tumor recurrence, advancing understanding of the therapeutic resistance, and developing effective targeted therapies for brain tumor recurrence. We use a combination of stem and cancer cell biology, advanced molecular biology techniques such as DNA chip technology, Next-Gen Sequencing, Chip-seq analysis, transgenic animal models and patient derived orthotopic brain tumor animal models, as well as advance in vivo techniques to understand the molecular mechanism of therapeutic resistance and disease recurrence in brain tumor.

The incumbent will play a critical role in managing lab administration and supporting studies focused on unraveling the molecular mechanisms contributing to therapeutic resistance in cancer. Leveraging our state-of-the-art facilities, the individual in this position will contribute to pioneering research endeavors, aiming for publication in esteemed scientific journals.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Follows 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.
• A fully functioning level of understanding in the following highlighted skills is required:

Cellular Biology:

• Cell culture, cell isolation, cryogenic storage
• Functional studies
• Transfection

Animal:

• Husbandry
• Breeding and screening transgenic mice
• Dissections
• Blood Collection
• Surgical Procedures
• Database management of colony
• Maintains detailed records of results including entering data in the computer and performing data analyses.
• Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses &/or verifies accuracy of invoices. Orders &/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies.

Miscellaneous

• 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, accurate record keeping;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Manual dexterity.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Experience working on daily care and monitoring of laboratory animals, ensuring their well-being and compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience working in the laboratory with mouse models, including tissue culture methods and maintaining cleanliness of animal housing and associated facilities.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Equipment Operation and Maintenance: setting up, operating and ensuring routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, ensuring everything is in optimal condition for research activities; troubleshooting equipment issues and liaising with maintenance personnel and vendors.
• Data Recording and Compilation: precise and accurate recordkeeping; recording detailed observations and measurements during experiments; collecting and compiling data meticulously, ensuring accuracy and reliability of the information gathered.
• Assisting in Research Activities: conducting basic experimental research work involving laboratory animals, ensuring all protocols and procedures are followed strictly; adhering to ethical standards of research; assisting in various phases of specific research projects as required, potentially including preparation of samples, reagents, and other necessary materials; contributing to and/or critiquing scholarly articles
• Lab Management: Overseeing the ordering and inventory of lab supplies, ensuring all necessary materials are readily available for research activities; ensuring ongoing organization of the environment, that the laboratory is maintained in an orderly and safe condition, and adhering to all safety protocols and standards.
• Team Collaboration: Working closely with researchers and other lab personnel, providing necessary support and assistance to facilitate the smooth operation of the lab; assisting and training other lab members in routine protocols
• Effective Communications: Ensuring that all parties are informed of relevant information, protocols and any changes that arise; ability to build rapport with faculty and ancillary staff
• Organizational Skill: detail orientation, above average planning, organization and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Target hiring range for this position will be between $24.00-28.00 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 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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