Research Technician

Position Summary

We are looking for a Research Technician to support ongoing studies in Alzheimer's disease, brain injury, and neurodegenerative disease using stem cell biology, iPSCS, cell culture models and rodent cell based assays.

Drug discovery and screening assays of novel therapeutics are also a major focus.

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 2 years of service.

RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays.

That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Cell culture development and maintenance, including iPSCs and human induced neurons
• Proficiency with viral vectors, subcloning, and transfection techniques
• PCR, and gel electrophoresis
• Experience with RNA, RNA extraction from mouse / rat brains, and qRT-PCR
• Western blotting and immunoassays, Immunohistochemistry
• Familiarity with rodent models, behavior, minor surgical techniques, perfusion techniques
• Collect, compile and analyze data.
• Mentor / teach techniques to qualified students and technicians.
• Flexibility and willingness to participate in several ongoing projects is a plus.

Additional responsibilities :

• Mouse husbandry (breeding, weaning, maintenance of colonies, genotyping)
• Oversees laboratory supplies and equipment
• Other duties of laboratory manager including compliance

Who Are We

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 /

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Compliance with the current university COVID19 policy

Required Education & Experience

• BS in Neuroscience / Biology / Molecular Biology-related field
• Two years of wet lab experience
• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated mastery of stem cell biology, iPSCs, cell culture techniques and viral vector and molecular biology approaches
• Effective and clear reading, writing and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated project management skills, including ability to manage competing priorities and excellent time management skills
• Detailed record-keeping and organizational skills
• Excellent mentoring and training skills
• Extensive experience in compound screening in model cells using a variety of platforms and methodologies including automated cell plate readers.
• Flexibility and willingness to participate in several ongoing projects
• Extensive knowledge of cell culture techniques, including iPSCs and induced neurons
• Immunoassays : ELISA, WB
• Immunohistochemistry

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in optical imaging techniques
• Previous lab management 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