Research Technologist 2

Department: WCAS Neurobiology
Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Job Summary:

This position is for a Research Technologist 2 in Dr. Daniel Dombeck's research lab in Neurobiology. This role Conducts experimental research lab work and/or assists in design of one or more specific phase(s) of entire project(s). May complete rodent brain surgeries, virtual reality behavior training and optical or electrophysiological data recording, and/or brain staining and histology, and/or computer tasks, and/or assist in judging validity of data, and/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies. Follows appropriate protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices. Seeking candidates looking for longer term commitment to the role.

This will be a 1-year renewable position based upon performance and funding availability. This is a full-time position at 40.0 hours per week and works on-site.

The target hiring range for this position will be between $41,530.32- $51,907.68 per year, which is $19.89-$24.86 per hour. The salary offered will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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:

• Virus stock maintenance and management

Histology:

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

Equipment :

• Equipment maintenance, setup, troubleshooting and repair

Other:

• Lab data maintenance
• Optical and electrophysiological brain recording measurements

Animal:

• Husbandry
• Breeding and screening transgenic mice
• Dissections
• 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.
• Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts & publications. Maintains lab safety and animal care and use protocols.
• Manages lab safety and animal care and use lab inspections.
• Maintains lab cleanliness and safety

Finance:

• Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses.
• Verifies the accuracy of invoices.
• Orders &/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies.

Supervises:

• Trains students and new lab members.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

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: (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; Manual dexterity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with rodent surgeries and handling. Neuroscience or similar education.
• Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
• Equipment setup and troubleshooting, including laser or microscopy systems, and/or computer systems and/or rodent behavior systems. 3D printing skills. Computer Programming skills

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.

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