AssistantCore Scientist

Job Summary:

Responsible for ensuring the completion of research projects within the Core Facility. Provides services and consultation to researchers and investigators, and facilitates highly technical and specialized scientific research. Guides the Core in relevant areas to ensure consistent, high quality service for the research community.

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated, well organized and service-minded Assistant Core Scientist with established flow cytometry and cell sorting experience to join the Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource.

The Lurie Flow Core provides scientific and technical support to a large user base of over 250 PIs, and utilization of over 18,000 hours serving the entire Northwestern research community and its high-impact research. Therefore, experience of customer service, strong interpersonal skills, ability to organize, plan and document the work are desired. Demonstrated independent cell sorting experience on BD platforms is an advantage. Previous work and management experience of BSL-2 lab and work routines is highly desired, BSL-3 experience is a plus.

Lurie flow core is a growing and state-of-the-art facility housing exceptional instrumentation – 10 sorters (including 4 new state-of-the-art BD FACSDiscover S8 sorters, Miltenyi tyto, and others) and 7 analyzers (including new state-of-the-art BD FACSDiscover A8 analyzer and other BD spectral analyzers). The team is encouraged to bring in new and innovative techniques and instrumentation to expedite scientific discovery.

As an assistant core scientist, you will report to the facility manager and aid in the daily routines for both

instruments and biosafety, perform conventional cell sorting and analysis and assist users. Experience in instrument trouble shooting is an advantage. The facility offers an excellent opportunity to develop a career in flow cytometry via interaction with the Northwestern staff and researchers as well as customers from industry. We offer an international environment with the opportunity to learn new high-end technologies. Highly motivated and experienced scientist with a passion for flow cytometry and cell sorting are encouraged to apply.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Maintains clear and accurate documentation of the protocols, instrumentation logs, and/or data collected.
• Maintains established laboratory inventories.
• Records work accurately and completely
• Utilizes established safety practices, and is responsible for providing a safe work environment for fellow employees and clients

Collaboration/Strategy

• Participates in the identification of Core facility needs
• Demonstrates a sound, working knowledge of techniques in other laboratories in order to provide cross-over assistance to clients.
• Assists in the organization of in-house and/ or off-site training.
• Assist the users and core scientist with training users on panel setup for conventional and spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting

Data Analysis

• Performs literature reviews for the purposes of furthering the research.
• May contribute data analysis for researchers, using specialized software in a form useful for further statically analysis or publications.
• Assists in the development of new analysis techniques and methodologies.

Technical

• Applies relevant science to Core technologies and applications.
• Utilizes advances knowledge of applications, principles, theories, and concepts to design and troubleshoot projects for the research community.
• Troubleshoots problems with procedures and equipment, and suggests adjustments to protocols.
• Trains Core staff and clients in advanced instrument operation and applications.
• Assist on sample processing, acquisition/sorting, post processing on Clinical Trials projects
• Perform daily setup, QC and operations of the core instrumentation
• Perform monthly maintenances on the instrument

Supervision

• Trains and provides oversight to lower-level Core staff and clients.

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; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of relevant domain expertise (in Flow Cytometry);
• 4 years of technical or other relevant experience.

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

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Data presentation skills;
• Experimental design ability.
• Proficiency in operating flow cytometer analyzers and cell sorter instrumentation independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS/PhD with 2 yrs of direct Flow Cytometry experience

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Ability to troubleshoot and provide technical support on flow cytometry instrumentation including minor repairs, etc.
• Proficiency and experience with flow cytometry data analysis software including FlowJo, FCS Express, Cytobank, etc.
• Experience in spectral and high-parameter flow cytometry and related panel design, validation and data analysis.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $55,000 - $67,000 per year. 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.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at 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 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 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 . 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 .

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