Senior Research Technologist- Neuroimmunology And Allergic Disorders

Conducts complex experimental research in a research lab, functioning as a specialist or technical expert. May manage one or more phase(s) of a major project(s) or all activities of a small project. May ensure overall lab compliance with all associated rules and regulations.

This is an invitation to apply for a Senior Technologist position in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine in downtown Chicago, next to the Magnificent Mile. The lab, led by Dr. Benjamin McNeil, focuses on neuroimmunology, or the relationship between the nervous system and immune system. Neuroimmunology currently is one of the hottest topics in biology, and this job will provide extensive opportunities for first author publications in the field. We also regularly collaborate with pharma and clinicians, allowing for a wide range of professional contacts to be made. We have two main areas of interest: 1.) mast cell disorders and their interaction with nerve cells; and 2.) the origins of severe itch and pain in skin diseases. More information is available on our divisional website at https://www.medicine.northwestern.edu/divisions/allergy-immunology/research/labs.html (scroll to McNeil lab). Lab projects require the use of flow cytometry, RT-PCR, tissue section histology, confocal imaging, dissections, survival surgery, RNA-seq analysis, behavioral assays, and mouse breeding/colony maintenance. Importantly, we do not expect candidates to have experience in all of these, and we have a research assistant professor in the lab who can provide training to master them.

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.
• Creates and maintains lab manuals regarding operating, safety, and etc. procedures.

Finance

• Obtains sales quotes for lab equipment and supplies.
• 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.

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.

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.