Department: MED-Cancer Center
Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Job Summary:

The candidate will be responsible for all stages of histopathology-related tissue processing of non-clinical specimens including: tissue fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy (paraffin, plastic or cryosectioning), standard and special histological staining, as well as quality control. The work involves performing multiple laboratory related duties: tracking job flow, processing paperwork, instrument maintenance and documentation, and communication with client staff and faculty as needed. Experience with immunostaining methods (immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, enzyme histochemistry) and nucleic acid in situ hybridization are highly desirable. The work requires ensuring lab compliance with all associated rules and regulations for standard operating procedures and safety regulations. The position will be on-site at the Mouse Histology & Phenotyping Laboratory (MHPL) at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Chicago campus of Northwestern University.

Scientific Responsbilities:

* Biological specimen tissue processing and grossing for paraffin embedding or frozen block preparations
* Microtomy (paraffin, cryostat and vibratome)
* H&E and specialized histology stains
* Molecular phenotyping: immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ISH/RNAscope
* Provide consultations for MHPL clients regarding tissue harvest, fixation protocols, tissue grossing requirements, histology stains and molecular phenotyping services
* Quality control of tissue sections, histology stains, IHC, IF and RNAscope slides
* Provide training for MHPL instruments for rent: cryostat and vibratome

Administration

• Tracking and documentation of MHPL orders
• Maintenance of lab instruments
• Observance of lab compliance to research safety guidelines
• Serve as liaison to the Office of Research Safety

Finance

• Inventory and ordering of lab consumables
• Negotiates purchases with vendors
• Tracking of lab purchases

Supervision

• Provide training for MHPL instruments for rent: cryostat and vibratome
• Training and supervision of lab interns

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completed Bachelor's degree in the life and biomedical sciences field from an accredited university or college plus 3 years histopathology experience.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

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

• 3 years in a histopathology or biomedical research laboratory setting and must have strong histology training and capability to efficiently process, embed, and section tissues using a microtome or cryostat.
• Good understanding of cell biology, developmental biology and vertebrate anatomy and physiology
• Strong familiarity with medical terminologies
• Team oriented

Preferred Qualifications:

• ASCP Certification
• Master's degree in Biology or equivalent combination of education and training experience from which comparable skills have been acquired.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• 3 years in a research laboratory setting
• 3 years processing specimen samples and histology
• 3 years good laboratory practices

Target hiring range for this position will be between $22.52-$28.15 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.

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 strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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