Core Technician Core Specialist

Department: MED-Center for Genetic Med
Salary/Grade: NEX/12

Target hiring range for this position will be between $21.48-$26.85 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.

Marketing Statement:

The NUSeq (Genomics) Core Facility invites applications for a Core Technologist to join a dynamic team advancing cutting-edge genomics research. NUSeq is the only university-wide genomics core facility at Northwestern, spanning wet lab and bioinformatics operations, supporting both the Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and the Evanston Campus, as well as external academic and industrial organizations. The facility houses a fleet of state-of-the-art sequencing platforms, including Illumina NovaSeq X Plus, MiSeq i100, Element AVITI, Complete Genomics T1+, PacBio Revio, and Oxford Nanopore technologies. We are also deeply invested in emerging technologies, including single cell multiomics (since 2017) and spatial transcriptomics (since 2021). NUSeq processes high volumes of samples across a wide range of applications, including RNA-seq, whole genome and exome sequencing, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, methyl-seq, microbiome profiling, and more.

With a user base of 2,600 researchers across 1,000 research groups, NUSeq plays a pivotal role in enabling high-impact science across diverse disciplines. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of genomics in a collaborative, fast-paced, and innovation-driven environment.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated next-generation sequencing (NGS) specialist to support and expand NUSeq's wet lab operations. This role is ideal for candidates who thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about enabling cutting-edge biomedical research. The successful candidate will have hands-on experience with NGS library, strong attention to detail, and demonstrated troubleshooting ability, along with excellent organizational and communication skills. The Core Technologist will contribute to the execution, optimization, and scaling of NGS workflows, and play an active role in supporting diverse research projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare diverse NGS library types using both manual and automated workflows
• Operate and maintain multiple sequencing platforms
• Troubleshoot and optimize workflows
• Prepare and deliver high-quality data
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new technologies

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.

Collaboration

• Interacts with both Core Staff and users.

Compliance

• Ensures compliance with University safety protocols, relative to the use of combustibles, radioactivity, toxic material, and/or carcinogens.
• Maintains sterile conditions as required.
• Prepares reagents.

Scientific

• 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.

Technical

• 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.

Molecular Biology:

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

Cellular Biology:

• Cell culture, cell isolation Functional studies Transfection Immunofluorescence assays
• Image analysis and quantification

Chemistry:

• Analyze organic chemistry
• Column chromatography Chromatography
• Enzymatic digestions HPLC
• NMR
• Mass spectrometry
• Protein extractions
• Solid phase extraction

Histology:

• Tissue fixation/processing: embedding, preparation of blocks and sectioning, staining
• Immunohistochemistry

Microscopy Immunology:

• Flow cytometry
• ELISA, Elispot assay
• Cytokine assay
• Antibody production and purification

Animal:

• Husbandry
• Breeding and screening transgenic mice Dissections
• Blood collection Surgical procedures
• Database management of colony

Equipment Used:

• Analytical balance
• Autoclave
• Blood gas analyzers
• Centrifuge
• Electrophoresis unit
• pH meter
• UV/Vis Spectrophotometer
• Scintillation counter
• pH meter, plate reader

Training

• May assist in the training of technicians and trainees including students.
• May train Researchers in instrument and equipment operation.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

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

• 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.

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.

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