The Penzes lab at Feinberg school of medicine is looking for a motivated technician to join our team and support research on the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism, Schizophrenia and Epilepsy. The successful candidate will assist in the maintenance of mouse model colonies and assist in behavioral assays, cell culture and molecular biology techniques such as immunocytochemistry, western blot and PCR. The applicant will conduct experimental research lab work and/or assist in design of experiments. Must be competent in computer tasks and judging validity of data. Will follows appropriate protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices.
Specific Responsibilities:
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Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts basic experiments.
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Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data obtained from individual experiments and recommends alternatives and suggestions to improve processes, validity and/or accuracy.
Molecular Biology:
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DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression Southern, Northern, Western blotting
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PCR, RT-PCR
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Plasmid preparation
Cellular Biology:
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Cell culture, cell isolation Functional studies Transfection
Histology:
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Immunohistochemistry Microscopy
Animal:
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Husbandry
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Breeding and screening transgenic mice Surgical procedures
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Database management of colony
Administration
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Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data.
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Manipulates, interprets &/or presents results.
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Prepares charts & graphs for presentations & publications.
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Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.
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Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts & publications.
Finance
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Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses.
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Verifies accuracy of invoices.
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Orders &/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies.
Supervises
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
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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.)
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Demonstrated laboratory experience;
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Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions as required by research protocols;
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Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets and basic computations;
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Attention to detail and accurate record keeping;
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Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
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Manual dexterity.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Undergraduate/masters degree
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Animal handling, husbandry and colony maintenance (mouse)
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
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Cell culture, microscopy, data analysis
Target hiring range for this position will be between $19.31 to $27.16 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.
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