Senior Research Technologist

Job Summary

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.

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
• 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;
• 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

• 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

• 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.

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.