Department: MED-Obstetrics & Gynecology
Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Job Summary:

Participates in design and execution of research lab projects. Conducts experimental tests and procedures and processes and analyzes data. Reviews and revises existing research methodologies and may develop new methodologies and train lab members on existing methodologies. May ensure overall lab compliance with all associated rules and regulations. Helps maintain laboratory operations.

Please note: Must be willing and able to work occasionally on the weekends and beyond normal work hours.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Following overall research objectives, independently designs, plans, conducts and troubleshoots experiments.
• Evaluates protocols and data obtained from groups of experiments and recommends changes to processes, procedures and techniques to improve quality and validity of results based upon overall project objectives.
• Using an advanced level of skill, completes the following activities

Molecular Biology (5%):

• DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression
• Southern, Northern, Western blotting
• PCR, RT-PCR

Cellular Biology (20%):

• Cell culture, cell isolation

Histology (50%):

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

Immunology (5%):

• Flow cytometry
• ELISA, Elispot assay
• Cytokine assay
• Antibody production and purification

Animal (10%):

• Husbandry
• Breeding and screening transgenic mice
• Database management of colony
• Other (please specify) (10%):
• Other reproductive science specific assays as needed

Administration

• Observes experiments, collects, records, summarizes, analyzes and interprets research data.
• Prepares complex tables reflecting relationships of multiple tests.
• Draws scientific conclusions.
• Co-authors scientific papers.

Finance

• Tracks and summarizes lab supply expenses.
• Orders and/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice and/or lab supplies.

Supervision

• Trains and directs other lab EEs and/or students in research techniques and procedures.

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 3 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience required; OR
• 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 1 year lab/bench or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Experience operating transmitted light and fluorescent microscopes
• Demonstrated laboratory experience
• Attention to detail and accurate record keeping
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Manual dexterity
• Expertise in basic Microsoft Office software and other relevant software (i.e. Endnote, Prism)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a Masters in Reproductive Science and Medicine; OR appropriate combination of education and at least 2 years prior experience working in a lab or other relevant experience

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• 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; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.
• Meets deadlines - Displays consistency and success in adhering to 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.
• Rigor and Reproducibility - maintains detailed and accurate laboratory records.

The target hiring range for this position will be between $24.00 - $28.15 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, 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.

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