Senior Research Technologist

Senior Research Technologist

Job ID: 45836
Location: Evanston, Illinois

Department: MCC Chem & Biol Engg
Salary/Grade: NEX/15

Job Summary:
We are seeking a creative and enthusiastic senior research technologist to develop cell-free synthetic biology diagnostics to address global sustainability challenges. In this position, you will conduct complex experimental research to develop CRISPR-based crop pathogen diagnostics aimed at helping farmers in resource deficient areas of the world. This position will involve leading experimental efforts to develop diagnostic reaction with high throughput approaches, will interface with a computational modeling team to optimize these diagnostics, and will facilitate collaboration with international partners to optimize diagnostics for field readiness and perform field studies. This will entail managing multiple phases of this project, as well as ensuring compliance with all associated rules and regulations of this work.

This position works within a highly energetic, multidisciplinary, collaborative and diverse group working at the forefront of synthetic biology. The Lucks and Jewett labs come from a wide array of backgrounds (molecular biology, genetics, systems biology, chemical engineering, bioengineering, biophysics, and more) and are driven to creatively tackle fascinating and challenging problems in synthetic biology. We are embedded in a highly collaborative network of Departments, Programs and Centers around Northwestern University, and are core members of the Northwestern Center for Synthetic Biology where this research will be performed.

This is a one-year term appointment, renewable based on funding and satisfactory performance.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Acting as a technical expert or specialist in a particular field within a research lab, establishes and optimizes protocols and coordinates conduct of multiple complex experiments.
• Reviews results and revises protocols as necessary to ensure that project objectives are attained.

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.
• Creates computer models, graphs, reports and summaries for use in publications, professional journals, and grant applications. 
• Co-authors scientific papers for presentation and publication. 
• Researches and obtains funding. 
• 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; 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 3 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience.

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

• Assemble in vitro reactions, protein purification, nucleic acid purification, RNA biochemistry work, quantitative data analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in molecular biology or biochemistry

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience with CRISPR diagnostic systems, experience with high-throughput assay development (Echo liquid handling robot), experience with plant pathogen detection assays

Please apply online at https://careers.northwestern.edu/psp/hr857prd_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=45836&PostingSeq=1

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 requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

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.