Research Technologist 2, Gastroenterology

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
• Cytokine assay
• Flow cytometry
• ELISA, Elispot assay
• Antibody 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
• Animal Husbandry
• Breeding and screening transgenic mice
• Dissections
• Surgical procedures

Database Management

• Processing of blood, 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

• 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

• 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
• 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
• Moves quickly to resolve issues and avoid problems
• Moves quickly to improve processes and avoid problems
• Moves quickly to enhance performance and avoid problems
• Moves quickly to increase productivity and avoid problems
• Moves quickly to meet 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

Pay Range

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

Northern Illinois University 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

Northern Illinois University 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.