Research Technologist - Nervous System Tumor Bank

Location:

Chicago, Illinois

Department:
MED-Neurological Surgery

Salary/Grade:
NEX/9

Target hiring range for this position will be between be range is as be $17.25-$24.41 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 role sits at the intersection of clinical care and research. The Research Technician 1 for the Nervous System Tumor Bank (NSTB) in the Department of Neurological Surgery is responsible for assisting in the collection, processing, storage, distribution, tracking, and shipment of biological specimens in accordance with approved study protocols. The incumbent ensures the integrity and quality of all biospecimens and associated data that is documented within the NSTB inventory database.

This role engages with hospital staff in the surgical operating room setting, including during brain and spinal cord tumor procedures.

• Administrative: maintains detailed records of sample collections, distributions, and any deviations from the protocols; updates inventory of samples on a daily basis using established software practices; uploads participant consent forms to a centralized database on a weekly basis, in alignment with institutional requirements.
• Data collection: manually collects patient data under the supervision of the NSTB Associate Director and Director for entry into the NSTB's database; consolidates collection data from daily sample acquisition and distribution, preparing data for final review by NSTB leadership; assists in the distribution of patient facing survey documents and organization of returned responses.
• Technical: performs blood processing protocols for the isolation and storage of blood components, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, plasma, and serum; follows protocols for tumor tissue accessioning, distribution, and storage; works in a biological safety cabinet following safety protocols for the handling of human blood and tissue; may perform other duties as assigned by the NSTB Associate Director and Director.

• Position requires walking, approximately 3 miles per day.
• Manual dexterity required for laboratory work.
• Must have high visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, including adequate depth perception.

• 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.
• Records results and may maintain databases.
• Completes standard and routine clerical duties such as copying, filing, data entry, word processing, etc.
• Maintains inventory of and lab supplies

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree or higher degree in a scientific major.
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.
• One or more years working with human biological specimens in a laboratory setting.
• Prior experience with REDCap.

• Basic proficiency with computers and Microsoft products, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated and able to work independently.
• Attention to detail and accurate record keeping.

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits…