Address
Form of workDepartment: MED-Ophthalmology Salary/Grade: NEX/11 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.
*This individual could be hired as a Research Technologist 2 or 3.* Who are we and what do we do? The Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute is seeking to hire a full-time research technician to work under the direction of the principal investigator, Benjamin Thomson PhD, and a trainee physician-scientist, Jacob Sterling MD PhD. As a research technician your primary project will be related to the intersection of immune and vascular aging - understanding how these two systems interact in both healthy aging and age-related disease.
The ultimate goal of this work is to identify therapeutic targets that reverse or ameliorate the effects of aging and age-related diseases such as neurodegeneration, heart failure, and kidney failure. What makes this role unique? You will have the opportunity to work with both Dr.
Thomson, a PhD scientist who specializes in vascular biology and leads the research group, and Dr. Sterling, an MD-PhD scientist who specializes in the immune system and age-related disease. Both Dr.
Thomson and Dr. Sterling have experience mentoring students at all levels of research training and are invested in developing the next generation of scientists. As a technician you will have a close mentoring relationship with both Dr.
Thomson and Dr. Sterling. If you would like to discuss Dr.
Sterling's mentoring style, please reach out to him at jacob.sterling@northwestern.edu, and he will be happy to connect you with previous trainees he has worked with. Who is the ideal candidate? The position is flexible and can accommodate either: (1) an early career trainee who has completed a four year Bachelor's degree and/or Master's degree in a scientific field (broadly defined) and has at least 1 year of experience working in a laboratory environment.
OR (2) a scientist with more than 2 years of full-time research experience as a laboratory technician and/or research associate. What are my responsibilities? As a research technician you will participate in the design and execution of research lab projects.
This includes conducting experiments at the bench, processing data, and analyzing results. As a member of the research team, we will rely on you to help improve experiments by reviewing and revising our existing research techniques as new technology becomes available. Finally, in a significant minority of your time you will assist senior lab members in ensuring compliance with all rules and regulations regarding research at Northwestern University.
If you have any questions about the position, or would like to discuss the position further before applying, please reach out to Dr. Sterling at jacob.sterling@northwestern.edu. Please note: Clearance by occupational health for work in animal facilities is required.
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 (please highlight): Molecular Biology: DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression Southern, Northern, Western blotting PCR, RT-PCR Plasmid preparation Cloning, mapping and sequencing of DNA Cellular Biology: Cell culture, cell isolation Histology: Tissue fixation/processing: embedding, preparation of blocks and sectioning, staining Immunohistochemistry Microscopy Immunology: Flow cytometry ELISA, Elispot assay Cytokine assay 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. 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. 2 years' lab/bench or other relevant 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; Demonstrated experience working with rodents; Manual dexterity.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities) Experience with immunologic techniques including flow cytometry and FACS Experience with immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence Experience with basic surgical techniques in rodents Experience in vascular research 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-CB1
