Core Technician
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Mechanic/Technician
Posted on July 28, 2023
Department:MED-Center for Genetic Med
Salary/Grade:NEX/12
The Northwestern University NUSeq (Genomics) Core Facility is seeking a Core Technician to support the Core's mission in advancing state-of-the-art genomics research at Northwestern. NUSeq is the only Northwestern-wide genomics research core facility supporting both the Chicago (Medical School) and Evanston Campuses. The Facility has a broad user base of 2,000 users from 650 research groups, with 80% from Northwestern and the rest from external academic institutions and industrial partners in the Chicago region and across the country. The Core's current annual operating budget has surpassed $4M with 12 full-time staff members encompassing both wet lab and bioinformatics operations. For the wet lab operation, NUSeq currently has a fleet of sequencers at different throughput levels, including Illumina NovaSeq X Plus and 6000, HiSeq 4000, NextSeq, MiSeq for short reads sequencing, Complete Genomics DNBSEQ-G400, and Oxford Nanopore PromethION for long reads sequencing. NUSeq receives large volumes of NGS samples from users for all NGS applications, including RNA-seq, whole genome/exome sequencing, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, methyl-seq, microbiome sequencing, etc. Among the heavily requested services are single-cell sequencing and, more recently, spatial transcriptomics. To achieve the Core's mission, the team constantly evaluates and acquires latest sequencing technologies to stay at the forefront of genomics technologies, including emerging sequencing, single-cell, and spatial technologies.
To meet the increasing demands for the Facility's services, especially single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, NUSeq is looking to recruit a skilled Core Technician to spur continuous Core growth. The ideal candidate will demonstrate high self-motivation, high lab detail sensitivity, a strong drive to learn new procedures/technologies, strong organizational and interpersonal/communication skills. S/he is expected to have strong molecular biology lab and troubleshooting skills. Experience with tissue/cell processing and/or microscopic imaging, is a plus but not required. Additional training on next generation sequencing will be provided if needed after joining. This Core Technician will join a highly energetic team to further improve the Facility's genomics research technologies to support Northwestern's mission as a world-class research university.
As consistently demonstrated, the University is committed to providing strong support to the Core's continuous growth. The Facility is located on Northwestern's Chicago campus in Streeterville. In addition to joining a collegial and hard-working team, as a Northwestern employee this Core Technician will take advantage of excellent healthcare, retirement, and tuition benefits as well as generous paid time off. This job is great for an individual who is interested in being part of a large research enterprise dedicated to making groundbreaking discoveries through team science. If you feel you could grow your career with NUSeq, please apply today!
Job Summary:
Performs the required standard operating procedures of the Core Research Facility. This includes the execution of research activities associated with established protocols and procedures; modifying them as needed. Operates or guides Core user in utilizing the facility's specialized equipment and services in support of user needs. Ensures the smooth flow and quality of daily work within the lab and ensures compliance in regard to University, sponsor, and federal rules and regulations.
Specific Responsibilities:
Administration
- May enter services for billing purposes in the Core Facility's automated service/ billing system.
- Compiles information for billing with accuracy.
- May assist in invoicing clients for services rendered.
- Maintains laboratory inventories.
- Documents all work accurately and completely.
- Interacts with both Core Staff and users.
- Ensures compliance with University safety protocols, relative to the use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogenics.
- Maintains sterile conditions as required.
- Prepares reagents.
- Plans, conducts, and evaluates experiments and assays of low-to-moderate complexities.
- Demonstrates an understanding of protocols and guiding principles, and applies the protocols to experiments.
- Calculates, records, compiles, and reports data.
- Analyzes and interprets data.
- Engages in problem-solving, relative to daily lab activities.
- Maintains instrumentation and equipment used in services provided by the Core Facility.
- Understands and follows all equipment manuals.
- Maintains and performs basic equipment repairs, in compliance with manufacturer and University guidelines.
- Troubleshoots instrumentation and equipment problems.
- Cleans and performs general maintenance on equipment.
- Executes and facilitates delivery of specialized services.
- Ensures compliance with all University, sponsor and federal rules and regulations.
- Using a fully functioning level of skill, completes the following activities (please highlight):
- Molecular Biology:
- DNA, RNA, isolation, purification and expression
- PCR, RT-PCR
- sequencing of DNA
- Equipment Used:
- Analytical balance
- Autoclave
- Centrifuge
- Electrophoresis unit
- pH meter
- UV/Vis Spectrophotometer
- Scintillation counter
- pH meter, plate reader
- Other (please specify): DNA next-gen sequencer
- Microarray systems
- May assist in the training of technicians and trainees including students.
- May train Researchers in instrument and equipment operation.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience1 year of technical or other relevant experience required.
- 2 years of technical or other relevant experience required.
- Basic molecular biology lab skills, including DNA extraction, enzymatic reaction, PCR, electrophoresis, etc.
- MS degree in biological or chemical sciences.
- Good understanding and knowledge of molecular biology and genetics/genomics; high level of lab skills in processing DNA/RNA samples including next generation sequencing
- Experience with tissue/cell processing and/or microscopic imaging.
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us athttps://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.htmlto 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 athttps://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.htmlto 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 athttps://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.htmltolearn more.
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