Research Technician

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science   North Chicago, IL   Full-time     Research
Posted on April 10, 2024
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Position Summary

The Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics in the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science welcome applications for a full-time Research Technician in the Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine. The University encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups underrepresented in their field and those that can add new and valuable perspectives to the academic environment. The Research Technician will support scientific research in the Lab of Dr. Daniel Peterson. The laboratory conducts research reprogramming stem and progenitor cells to be used for brain repair. Approaches include advanced imaging and molecular analysis in cell culture and animal models.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short-term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes an 8% employer contribution after two years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee well-being and work-life balance. Full-time staff members are eligible for three weeks of vacation, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

As part of our efforts to enhance the depth and breadth of research at RFU and to facilitate the translation of our basic science research to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and identification of biomarkers in order to improve human health, a new Innovation and Research Park (IRP) was constructed, opening in January 2020. The novel design of the IRP enables academic researchers to reside in state-of-the-art laboratory space that is in close proximity to industry researchers on each floor of the 100,000 sq ft building. It also houses our Helix 51 Incubator, Chicago's newest bioscience incubator for startups. To learn more, see https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/research/innovation-and-research-park/

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Oversee the maintenance of laboratory equipment and environment
  • Perform general laboratory maintenance duties (ordering, receiving, preparation of stock reagents and lab solutions, aliquoting and labeling, inventories, autoclaving, etc.)
  • Produce viral vectors and virus for reprogramming experiments including analysis of viral titer by flow cytometry or qPCR
  • Perform aseptic technique in the maintenance of cell cultures
  • Perform general molecular biology procedures (cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, digests, agarose gel electrophoresis, etc.)
  • Perform tissue sectioning and immunohistochemistry
  • Perform microscopic imaging and analysis
  • Participate in the teaching and demonstration of technical approaches to students
  • Maintain records for equipment, antibodies, and chemicals
  • Keep protocols up-to-date
  • Assist in laboratory management
  • Perform other related duties as assigned or delegated
Conditions of Employment
  • Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
  • Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy
Required Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Science or a related field or equivalent laboratory experience
  • Experience with common computer software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as web browsers and databases
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Effective English reading, writing and verbal communication skills
  • Knowledge of basic solution chemistry
  • Detailed record-keeping skills
  • Excellent organizational and planning skills
  • Ability to work accurately with attention to detail
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to take responsibility: work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability and willingness to learn new methods
  • Some flexibility in work schedule
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience as a laboratory technician in a biomedical research laboratory
  • Strong background in the biological sciences
  • One year of wet laboratory experience
Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions
  • Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
EOE, Including Disability / Vets