Simulation Center Technician

Department: MED-NU Simulation
Salary/Grade: NEX/10

Job Summary:

Northwestern Simulation (NU SIM) is a state-of-the-art educational service center within the Feinberg School of Medicine (FSM) Department of Medical Education. Our mission is to provide exceptional simulation-based education to improve patient care while transforming healthcare through education, innovation, and research. NU SIM serves all Feinberg learners, including undergraduate medical (UME), physician assistant, physical therapy, graduate medical education (GME), and continuing medical education (CME). Additionally, Northwestern Simulation partners with external clients and affiliates to further its educational mission.

The Simulation Technician performs technical work in preparation of medical workspaces for experiential learning across the NU Simulation Center. Duties include but are not limited to providing technical support for medical training involving the use of tissue in either simulated, cadaveric, explant, and/or in-vivo form, and care and maintenance of NU Simulation equipment, instruments, and various simulators, assistance with inventory of laboratory disposables and supplies, and performing workplace related cleaning and organizational duties as assigned.

Specific Responsibilities:

Programs

• Provides technical support for all Northwestern Simulation training programs across a variety of learners, including UME, GME, CME, Non-CME, and Industry
• Assists Simulation Specialists in implementing the day-to-day operations and related training programs.
• Follows the laboratory's health and safety standards per NU policies.
• Supports medical education training sessions, including but not limited to: organizing and preparing spaces, equipment, tissues, and supplies for various training sessions.
• Attends to the needs of medical learners during regularly scheduled training sessions and on a walk-in basis.

• Describe the functions of simulation equipment and conducts room orientations in support of educational sessions.

Technical

• Assists with Simulation operations, supplies inventory, equipment set up, care, and maintenance.
• Assists with Simulation laboratory functions involving cadaver and animal tissue, as well as in-vivo models; may assist in NU gross anatomy lab.
• Prepares, cleans and maintains instruments, and/or devices for training.
• Prepares and processes cadaveric, in-vivo, and/or explanted tissue for training sessions.
• Acts as a standardized patient/nurse/other clinical position in experiential scenarios as required.
• Assists with access to and operation of virtual reality simulators.
• Assists with access to and preparation for in-situ simulations.
• Cleans and disinfects workspaces.
• Assists with Outpatient Simulation events as needed

Administration

• Supports simulation-based events, research, and scholarship activities of Northwestern University faculty and staff.
• Collects research data as directed, following all IRB protocols regarding collecting and storing research data.
• Maintains and organizes laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Assist with inventory of surgical supplies, tissues, and disposables.
• Stays up to date on simulation-based research and emerging technologies.
• Collaborates with Simulation staff regularly to solve problems and address issues in forwarding mission.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• An associate degree in a biological science or healthcare-related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Experience in a healthcare setting and/or formal healthcare training (CNA, PCT, or other healthcare service industry worker).

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

• Should hold a degree of medical knowledge or comparable knowledge.
• Basic knowledge of IT/AV infrastructure, hardware and software.
• Ability to use and troubleshoot technical equipment, computers, hardware, and software.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Bachelor's degree in a biological science or healthcare-related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Experience handling cadavers or human tissue in academic medicine or clinical environments.
• Experience in a healthcare setting and/or some formal healthcare training (EMT, nurse, PA, PT, respiratory therapist, or other healthcare service industry worker).
• Experience with animal use in a research setting.
• Some experience in medical simulation i.e., set up/takedown/operation of HiFi simulation equipment and skills training equipment (task trainers).

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Work experience in healthcare, communications, multimedia, computer science or higher education in an academic setting.
• Work experience with biological tissue.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse groups.
• Education or work experience in the use of simulation technology.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize information and instruction from various sources to develop plans, implement projects, and make improvements.
• Strong background in set-up, use, troubleshooting, and maintenance of technical equipment, computers, and various hardware & software, with the ability to learn new platforms and applications.
• Demonstrated good communication.
• Working knowledge of common software programs (MS Office Suite) with the ability to learn new platforms and applications.
• Familiarity with OSHA guidelines, CLIA/TJC/DNV-GL/CAP, or another accrediting regulatory agency.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $18.42 - 23.75 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.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, 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.

#LI-JP1