Research Technologist 2

Department: MCC Biomedical Engg
Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Target hiring range for this position will be between $19.89 - $24.86 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

Job Summary:

Conducts experimental research lab work and/or assists in design of one or more specific phase(s) of entire project(s). May complete mathematical calculations, and/or computer tasks and/or assist in judging validity of data. Follows appropriate protocols, policies, procedures, regulations. Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices.

The Zhang Lab seeks a Research Technologist to support the lab's experimental and engineering efforts. This position involves a combination of hands-on experimental work, hardware and system development, and technical infrastructure support.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting experimental equipment & software, including neural electrophysiology and imaging systems.
• Performing circuit design, testing, and system characterization to support ongoing research projects.
• Supporting laboratory infrastructure, including maintenance of data servers and computer-aided design (CAD) software for integrated circuit development.

This is a one year termed position subject to renewal dependent on performance and available funding.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts basic experiments.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data obtained from individual experiments and recommends alternatives and suggestions to improve processes, validity and/or accuracy.
• Using a fully functioning level of skill, completes the following activities:
  • Setup and maintain experimental equipment and rigs
  • Circuit design & testing

Administration

• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data.
• Maintain data server and integrated circuits CAD design software and PDKs
• Manipulates, interprets &/or presents results.
• Maintain data server and integrated circuits CAD design software and PDKs
• Prepares charts & graphs for presentations & publications.
• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.
• Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts & publications.

Finance

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

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 in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

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.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Coursework or training in a relevant discipline, such as Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Hands-on experience with electronics and circuit design or testing.
• Experience with programming and software development (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C/C++).

• Familiarity with neural electrophysiology or imaging experiments is a plus.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Strong background in circuits and electronics, including PCB design and embedded firmware development for microcontrollers and FPGAs.
• Proficiency in software development using Python, C/C++, and MATLAB.
• Experience with circuit hardware assembly and characterization, including soldering, PCB assembly, and use of laboratory test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, function generators, SMUs).

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.