Senior Research Technologist

Department: MED-Cancer Center
Salary/Grade: NEX/15

Target hiring range for this position will be between be range is as be $30.45 - $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.

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 candidate will be responsible for all stages of histopathology-related tissue processing of pre-clinical specimens including tissue fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy (FFPE, frozen or vibratome), standard and special histological staining, as well as quality control. The work involves performing multiple laboratory related duties: tracking job flow, processing paperwork, instrument maintenance and documentation, and communication with client staff and faculty as needed. Experience with immunostaining methods (immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence) is required while experience with nucleic acid in situ hybridization (RNAscope/HCR-FISH) is highly desirable. The work requires ensuring lab compliance with all associated rules and regulations for standard operating procedures and safety regulations. The position will be on-site at the Mouse Histology & Phenotyping Laboratory (MHPL) at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Chicago campus of Northwestern University.

Specific Responsibilities:

Molecular Biology:

• DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression
• Plasmid preparation

Immunology

• Antibody production and purification

Animal

• Dissections
• Surgical procedures

Histology:

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

Other (please specify):

• Microtomy (paraffin, cryostat and vibratome)
• H&E and specialized histology stains
• Molecular phenotyping: immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ISH/RNAscope
• Microscopy and slide scanning
• Provide consultations for MHPL clients regarding tissue harvest, fixation protocols, tissue grossing requirements, histology stains and molecular phenotyping services
• Quality control of tissue sections, histology stains, IHC, IF and RNAscope slides

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

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 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.
• 5 years histopathology lab experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• 5 years in a biomedical research laboratory involving work in histopathology and must have strong histology training and capability to efficiently process, embed, and section tissues using a microtome or cryostat.

• Good understanding of cell biology, developmental biology and vertebrate anatomy and physiology

• Strong familiarity with medical terminologies

• Basic computer literacy (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Team oriented

Preferred Qualifications:

• ASCP Certification

• Master's degree in Life Sciences or Biomedical Sciences or equivalent combination of education and training experience from which comparable skills have been acquired.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• 5 years in a research laboratory setting
• 5 years processing specimen samples and histology
• 5 years of good laboratory practice
• Experience in digital pathology (desired)

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.