Research Technologist 2

Department: WCAS Chemistry
Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Job Summary:

This Research Technologist 2 position in the Chemistry Department is a full-time position (37.5 hours) reporting to the Undergraduate Program Administrator; and works an on-site five-day work week. The target hiring range for this position will be between $19.89 -$27.97 per hour ($38,934 -$54,751 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.

The responsibilities of this position include: providing material support for the undergraduate and SPS chemistry teaching laboratories; provides general laboratory maintenance and support including ordering and stocking laboratory supplies; prepares and measures reagents and other solutions for student experiments; sets up for each experiment (chemicals and other supplies); breaks down after each experiment; remakes and refills reagents during experiment as necessary; properly treats and disposes of waste, requesting pick-up through ORS; manages lab equipment; supports summer programming and outreach events; supervises student workers. This position has the ability to support the Chemistry Core. Evening hours expected during academic terms.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts basic experiments.
  • Set-up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments.
  • Prepare chemical solutions, weigh samples, perform titrations, and other similar tests.
  • Maintain Chemistry laboratories in an organized and safe manner, including cleaning glassware and ensuring required reagents and solutions are ordered and prepared as needed.
  • Maintain strict laboratory safety and adhere to quality assurance principles.

Administration

• Maintains detailed, organized records related to job tasks

Finance

• Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses.
  • Verifies accuracy of invoices.
• Orders &/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice &/or lab supplies.

Supervises

• Trains student workers.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in a basic science and no experience or 2 years' practical lab/bench experience is required;
• Understanding of laboratory and chemical safety principles, including US CFR 1910.1450 and NFPA codes.

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

• Demonstrated laboratory experience;
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions as required by research protocols;
• Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets and basic computations;
• Attention to detail and accurate record keeping;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Manual dexterity.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including advanced
• skills with Excel or Access. Ability to manipulate PDFs;
• Excellent communication and customer service skills;
• Excellent judgment and the ability to work independently;
• Flexibility and energy;
• Ability to lift 25 pounds;

Preferred Qualifications:

• A degree in Chemistry or another science strongly preferred
• Experience with NU chemical management systems
• Three to five year's relevant experience in research laboratory or science department in a higher education environment

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Understanding of basic chemical principals, including stoichiometry and basic laboratory safety.
• Ability to assess hazard identification factors.
• Chemistry analytical skills including
  • Ability to calculate and prepare solutions of specified concentration.
  • Ability to perform titrations.
  • Ability to accurately weigh samples.
  • Ability to learn new techniques.
• Detail oriented, analytical, and alert, as the work is of a non-routine nature.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in determining the reasonableness of the results.
• Possess effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work in a team environment and build relationships with other areas of the organization.
• Ability to keep and record accurate and legible data.
• Ability to perform basic management tasks for small groups
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and laboratory equipment such as balances, glassware, chemicals, computer, printer, copier, telephone, voice mail system, and other office and lab equipment. Requirements may also include:
  • Ability to work safely in a chemistry laboratory environment
  • Ability to clearly record data
  • Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
• Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and laboratory hazards

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.