Research Technologist 1

Department: MCC Chem & Biol Engg
Salary/Grade: NEX/9

Target hiring range for this position will be between $18.33 - $23.47 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

This is a 1-year termed position with the option for renewal based on available funding and performance.

Job Summary:

Manages laboratory inventory and maintenance while preparing reagents, materials, and experimental setups in support of ongoing research in the Karim Lab; monitors and replenishes supplies, tracks stock levels and orders, and maintains records for consumables, chemicals, and equipment; performs routine upkeep, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and ensures adherence to safety and housekeeping standards; prepares solutions, media, and reagents to specification and assembles materials and equipment for scheduled experiments; requires a practical understanding of standard laboratory techniques, inventory and ordering systems, and general lab operations, and can function with limited supervision.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Follows pre-defined protocols, policies, procedure, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices and conducts standard and repetitive experiments and completes basic trouble-shooting techniques.
• Sets-up, operates and maintains standard lab equipment.
• Using an entry level of skill, completes the following activities:
• Records test results and may maintain databases.
• Completes standard and routine clerical duties such as copying, filing, data entry, word processing, etc.
• Maintains inventory of reagents, and lab supplies

Molecular Biology:

• DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression Western blotting
• PCR, RT-PCR
• Plasmid preparation
• Cloning, mapping and sequencing of DNA

Other (please specify):

• Growth media preparation
• Chemical reagent preparation, including adjusting pH of solutions

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• HS diploma or equivalent and some basic science courses is required.

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

• Ability to accurately follow a documented protocol, such as preparation of solutions, buffers, media, and reagents to specification, including basic lab calculations (molarity, dilutions).
• Inventory management experience including placing orders and maintaining accurate supply and equipment records.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, and proper storage/disposal (PPE, SDS, waste segregation).
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, staying organized and detail-oriented while managing competing priorities.
• Proficiency operating and troubleshooting standard lab equipment (balances, pipettes, centrifuges, pH meters, autoclaves).

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• B.S. degree in science, engineering or similar is preferred.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Prior experience in an academic or industry research laboratory.
• Experience with specialized techniques relevant to the lab's focus (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, or cell-free methods).
• Familiarity with inventory or lab-management software and institutional procurement procedures.
• Experience with instrument calibration, preventive maintenance, and coordinating vendor service/repairs.
• Ability to train new lab members on equipment, protocols, and safety.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, 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 University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.