Core Scientist

Department: MED-Cancer Center
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

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

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated, well organized and service-minded Core Scientist with comprehensive advanced flow cytometry and cell sorting experience to join the Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Biomedicine, Immunology, Molecular Biology or a related discipline, alternatively university degree (Bachelor or Master) coupled to years of experience. Prior experience in multi-color flow cytometry and cell sorting is an absolute requirement.

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 pedagogic and interpersonal skills, ability to organize, plan and document the work are desired. Demonstrated independent cell sorting experience on BD platforms is essential. Previous work and management experience of BSL-2 lab and work routines is highly desired, BSL-3 experience is a plus. Willingness to learn new instrumentation, techniques and analysis software; and excellent communication skills in spoken and written English is a must.

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

instruments and biosafety, perform simple and advanced cell sorting and analysis and assist users. Training new users is a major service offered and the core scientist will assist in organizing training sessions, both theoretical and hands-on training. Extensive panel design and validation experience on high-parameter flow cytometry is a plus. 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.
• Records work accurately and completely.
• May contribute to grant writing.
• Utilizes established safety practices, and is responsible for providing a safe work environment for fellow employees and clients.

Collaboration/Strategy

• Participates in strategy-setting for the future direction and needs of the Core.
• Provides specific and actionable feedback during the goal-setting processes.
• Demonstrates a sound, working knowledge of techniques in other laboratories in order to provide cross-over assistance to clients.
• Organizes in-house and/ or off-site training related to Core activities.
• Develops and delivers presentations, seminars, and workshops.
• Networks with key decision-makers within the research community (both internal and external to the University).
• Provides consultation to Investigators/users on new project/experiment design requests using high-parameter flow cytometry

Data Analysis

• Performs literature reviews for the purposes of furthering the research.
• Generates, collects, and analyzes data. Develops new analysis techniques and methodologies.
• Lead panel design and protocol development on high-parameter cell sorters and analyzers

Technical

• Develops complex and 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.
• Works on advanced problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
• Exercises judgement within defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques.
• Develops training protocols relative to advanced instrumentation operation and applications. May deliver that training to Core staff and clients.
• Advance knowledge by assisting the Core Director with high-parameter spectral flow cytometry based requests to help consult independently.

Supervision

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

Miscellaneous

Completes 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; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of relevant domain expertise.
• MS with 4 yrs of direct flow cytometry experience

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

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Data presentation skills;
• Experimental design ability;
• Ability to work as part of a project team.
• Demonstrated independent operation of BD flow cytometer analyzers and cell sorter instrumentation is essential

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• PhD/Postdoc with 2+ yrs of direct flow cytometry experience

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Proficiency in design, validation and analysis of high parameter flow cytometry assays on various BD flow cytometers and analyzers.
• Proficiency and experience with flow cytometry data analysis software including FlowJo, FCS Express, Cytobank, etc.
• Ability to troubleshoot and provide technical support on flow cytometry instrumentation including minor repairs, etc.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $68,000 - $83,000 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 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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