Research Technologist 1

Department: MED-Neurological Surgery
Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Target hiring range for this position will be between be range is as be $17.05-$21.31 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:

The Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University seeks an outstanding Research Technologist to support molecular experiments and computational analysis in brain tumors. This individual will work closely with the principal investigator (Dr. Mark Youngblood) on translational projects aimed at characterizing glioblastoma and meningioma, the most common types of primary brain tumors. Experiments will draw upon a large library of patient tissue and plasma samples, in-vivo models, and primary cell culture to derive novel insights about brain tumor biology and optimal treatment approaches. Relevant techniques include epigenetic characterization (Hi-C, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq), proteomics, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and liquid biopsy platforms (among others). The applicant will also be involved in bioinformatic analysis of the resulting datasets and other projects, with over 50% of effort dedicated to computational work. Typical bioinformatic work will include mapping, QC, and analysis of large genomic (WGS, WES), transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and epigenetic (DNA methylation, ChIP-seq, HiC) datasets that are derived from bulk, spatial, and single-cell assays. Analyses will be carried out on Northwestern's High Performance Computing Cluster (Quest) using publicly available bioinformatic tools (e.g. Seurat, SeSAMe, Kallisto /STAR, etc).

The Department of Neurological Surgery offers a nurturing environment for career development, including weekly conferences and seminars of interest. In this role, the individual will work closely with collaborating laboratories in the Malnati Brain Tumor Institute (MBTI) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) on projects pertaining to meningioma and glioblastoma. These interactions will include training in relevant experimental techniques and analysis methods that are widely used across cancer biology laboratories. The incumbent will be responsible for independent completion of bioinformatic analyses and wet-lab experiments, including troubleshooting and validation, and supported by frequent interactions with the PI and other investigators.

May also conduct tests and procedures; set up and operate equipment; record observations and measurements and collect as well as compile data; conduct basic animal and experimental research lab work and/or assist in one or more phases of specific projects.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Follows pre-defined protocols, policies, procedure, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices and conducts standard and repetitive experiments and completes basic trouble-shooting techniques.
• Sets-up, operates and maintains standard lab equipment.
• Using an entry level of skill, completes the following activities:
  • Records test results and may maintain databases.
  • Completes standard and routine clerical duties such as copying, filing, data entry, word processing, etc.
  • Maintains inventory of reagents, mice and lab supplies
• Follows pre-defined protocols, policies, procedure, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices and conducts standard and repetitive experiments and completes basic trouble-shooting techniques.
• Sets-up, operates and maintains standard lab equipment.
• Using an entry 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

Animal:

• Husbandry
• Breeding and screening transgenic mice
• Dissections
• Blood collection
• Surgical procedures
• Database management of colony

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• HS diploma or equivalent and some basic science courses is required.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, engineering, or related field.
• Previous experience working in a molecular biology, neuroscience, oncology or computational lab (including part-time or volunteer)
• Experience with R, python, or a related platform; and working with large computational datasets.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Applicants interested in pursuing post-graduate training in medical or graduate school are strongly encouraged (opportunities for career development and mentorship with application development will be available).
• Ability to commit two uninterrupted years in this full-time position.

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.