Description

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title
Lab Technician - Molecular Analysis Core Facility (39190) Extended

Classification
Research Associate

Position Number
00039190

Open Date
07/25/2025

Close Date

Priority Review Date
09/15/2025

Employee Class
Staff

Full-Time/Part Time
Part-Time

FTE
0.50

Position Status
Temporary

FLSA
Exempt

Job code
1620SPS04

Union Representation
Non-Union

Union Code
N/A

Unit/Department
VP Research and Innv Prtnrshp

College/Unit
VP Research and Innv Prtnrshp

Division
Research and Innv Prtnrshp

Location
LH 301

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page
https://www.niu.edu/divresearch/research-development/service-centers/molecular-analysis-core/index.shtml

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The NIU Molecular Analysis Core is the primary core facility and recharge center that supports the research efforts of NIU faculty and students as well as external academic users and users from industry.

The NIU - MAC currently houses five state-of-the-art mass spectrometers - a triple quadrupole LCMS , a QTOF HRMS , a MALDI ToF/ToF, an ICP -MS and a triple quadrupole GCMS as well as optical spectroscopy instruments. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with LCMS and MALDI methods and experience with bioanalytical applications.

Position Summary

Lab Technician for the NIU Molecular Analysis Core facility, Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships. The Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships seeks an individual with a strong background in the area of analytical chemistry, specifically mass spectrometry and chromatography, to manage the day-to-day operations of the NIU Molecular Analysis Core ( MAC ) facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operation of Instruments & Peripherals - 25%

• Independently, effectively and efficiently operates the QTOF - HRMS , LCMS -QqQ, MALDI TOF / TOF , GCMS , and ICPMS instruments and all of their associated peripherals, computers, and software.
• Performs troubleshooting of IRMS , GC-MS and IC instruments and their peripherals, and when problems occur, collaborates with Department, College and University technical staff and the vendor (Shimadzu Scientific Instruments or Bruker Daltonics) technical support team to develop and implement solutions in the most appropriate, cost-effective, and expeditious means.
• Maintains inventory of high-quality consumable and other supplies needed to ensure reliable, ongoing operation of the QTOF - HRMS , LCMS -QqQ, MALDI TOF / TOF , GCMS , and ICPMS instruments; collaborates with stockroom staff to order supplies as needed.

Maintenance & Data Quality Control of Instruments - 20%

• Performs day-to-day maintenance on the QTOF - HRMS , LCMS -QqQ, MALDI TOF / TOF , GCMS , and ICPMS instruments and their associated peripheral devices and computers to ensure their reliable operation.
• Identifies, diagnoses and repairs equipment malfunctions when feasible.
• Communicates with instrument manufacturers to arrange for instrument troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs that cannot be completed by Department, College or University technical staff.

Conduct Collaborative or Independent Scientific Research - 15%

• Collaborates with faculty, staff, students and professional colleagues to create and pursue significant scientific research that is publishable and capable of attracting external funding.
• Maintains membership in professional societies that are related to research in mass spectrometry ( ASMS , ABRF etc.) and utilizes their resources for keeping up to date on the latest skills and experimental methods.

Develop & Implement Innovative & Modern Protocols for Analysis - 15%

• Designs and experiments with new sample preparation and introduction techniques to ensure the MAC facility's QTOF - HRMS , LCMS -QqQ, MALDI TOF / TOF , GCMS , and ICPMS instruments and peripherals are operating at the forefront of the science.
• Develops, maintains and revises all protocols and standard operating procedures for the QTOF - HRMS , LCMS -QqQ, MALDI TOF / TOF , GCMS , and ICPMS instruments and their associated peripherals, computers and software for data collection and analysis.
• Collaborates with the MAC facility Director to evaluate the need for equipment upgrades necessary to keep the MAC facility operating at the forefront of science.
• Collaborates with the MAC facility director to develop plans for acquisition of additional or upgraded equipment; Implements plans as needed, including participating in the writing and submitting proposals for external funding from sources such as the National Science Foundation.
• Collaborates with MAC facility Director to consult with users on experiment approach and design to ensure high quality, impactful and publishable data collection.

Instruction & Scheduling of Users - 15%

• Instructs all QTOF - HRMS , LCMS -QqQ, MALDI TOF / TOF , GCMS , and ICPMS users in the proper protocols and standard operating procedures employed in the MAC facility; These users will include faculty, postdoctoral research associates, graduate students, undergraduate students and visiting scientists.
• Schedules time for researchers to access and use instruments in a manner that is efficient, fair, and commensurate with the expertise of the researcher.
• Maintains an accurate record of instrument usage.
• Maintains an accurate record of QTOF - HRMS , LCMS -QqQ, MALDI TOF / TOF , GCMS , and ICPMS users.
• Maintains user keycard access to the facility.
• Assists researchers in understanding and interpreting data produced through QTOF - HRMS , LCMS -QqQ, MALDI TOF / TOF , GCMS , and ICPMS analyses; helps novice users recognize inconsistent or unreliable data, as well as issues such as biases, errors, analytical precision and reproducibility.
• Enforces safety regulations; Ensures that all university regulations and state and federal law are enforced at all times.
• Maintains Clustermarket (online reservation and user management software), the MAC facility Sharepoint online educational resource site and the ABRF Core Marketplace online site that promotes the MAC facility to the greater scientific community.

Maintain Sample Preparation Facilities & Conduct Sample Preparation - 10%

• Maintains and operates facilities and instruments that are involved in the preparation of samples for analysis by the QTOF - HRMS , LCMS -QqQ, MALDI TOF / TOF , GCMS , and ICPMS instruments.
• Performs troubleshooting and repair of equipment involved in sample preparation.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

N/A

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

1. Ph.D. in Chemistry or closely related field is required.
2. Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in analytical chemistry, specifically in mass spectrometry research, through graduate training and a record of peer reviewed publications.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

None

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Experience with modern gas and liquid chromatography methods is preferred.
• Experience with biological/biomedical applications of mass spectrometry is preferred.

Physical demands/requirements

• General office requirements.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date
10/1/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date
06/30/2026

Percent of Staff Year
1.00

Standard Hours Per Week
18.75

Working Hours
to be determined by Lab Manager

Salary
$36,050.16/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range
$1,502.09/Semi-monthly

Earn Type
Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/84107 to submit the following materials by 9/15/2025:

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter - Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying.
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References
• Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts will be required within 30 days of start date).

Applications submitted after 9/15/2025 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions

Quick Link to Applicant
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/84107

Is Background Check Required?
Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
[email protected]
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at [email protected] .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report .
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
2. Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).