Department: MED-Pathology
Salary/Grade: NEX/11
Target hiring range for this position will be between be range is as be $19.89-$24.86 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.
Job Summary:
Conducts experimental research lab work and/or assists in design of one or more specific phase(s) of entire project(s). May complete mathematical calculations, and/or computer tasks and/or assist in judging validity of data. Follows appropriate protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices.
Will be involved in regularly scheduled presentations of research to colleagues, collaborators and benefactors in written form and verbally in meetings. The initial term for this position is 1 year from the start date with opportunity for renewal based on performance and funding.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts basic experiments.
- Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data obtained from individual experiments and recommends alternatives and suggestions to improve processes, validity and/or accuracy.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interactions with co-workers in a team environment and for regularly scheduled interactions with collaborators and benefactors.
- Using a fully functioning level of skill, completes the following activities:
Molecular Biology:
- DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression, 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
Histology:
- Tissue fixation, staining
- Immunohistochemistry
- Microscopy
Immunology:
Administration
- Maintains detailed records of results, which may include collecting, extracting & entering data.
- Manipulates, interprets &/or presents results.
- Observes experiments, collects, records, summarizes research data.
- Prepares charts, tables & graphs for presentations & publications.
- Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.
- Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts & publications.
Prepares progress reports for use in communication with colleagues, collaborators and benefactors.
Finance
- Verifies accuracy of invoices.
Maintains inventory of reagent, or lab supplies.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
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 in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Demonstrated laboratory experience;
- Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions as required by research protocols;
- Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets and basic computations;
- Attention to detail and accurate record keeping;
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Manual dexterity.
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
- Cell and molecular biology courses and experience desirable.
>2 years lab/bench experience very desirable.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Preference for someone with knowledge in molecular biology and cell biology. Basic microscopy experience highly valued. Prefer individuals with basic skills in word processing, spreadsheets (Excel), statistics (e.g. Prism) and graphics (e.g. Powerpoint, Photoshop, Illustrator) programs.
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 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.
Northwestern University
Mar 25, 2026