NU Core Account/Training - Internal Customers
Northwestern-affiliated researchers utilize the NU Core shared facility management system to create and manage instrument reservations at the Keck Biophysics Facility.
A NU Core account is required. If you do not have an account in NU Core and/or need training on any instrument, please contact facility staff. All users must attend an instrument-specific training session conducted by Keck staff prior to using any instrument.
See these instructions on using NU Core.
Purchase Orders - External Customers
We require a purchase order prior to rendering any services.
Please contact us to discuss your project and to receive an estimate.
If your organization has not previously done business with Northwestern University, please use the following information for your new vendor entry:
Keck Biophysics Facility
Northwestern University
2205 Tech Drive
Hogan Hall 2-150
Evanston IL 60208-0802
Federal Tax ID: 36-2167817
Please include a description such as “For staff service at the Keck Biophysics Facility using (technique and/or instrument)” on your purchase order.
For more information, please contact Ginger Gilmore: (847) 491-5764
Reservation/Billing Policies
Following the establishment of an account and completion of instrument training, the following policies apply.
Chart Strings: users must notify Keck staff of any changes to chart strings needed in the NU Core system.
Allotted Reservations: users with reservations are given first priority on the instrument during their allotted reservation. If you have not made a reservation ahead of time, you may still use the instrument when no other reservations are scheduled.
Reservation Activation Time: for most instruments, reservations not activated (logged in) within 60 minutes of the start time will be canceled unless prior arrangements have been made with Facility staff.
Cancel Reservation: for most instruments, users have up to 24 hours before their start time to cancel their reservation with no charge. If the reservation is canceled within the 24-hour period, users will be charged for one hour of the reservation.
Billing: users will be billed based on their actual usage hours recorded in NU Core. If you believe the system has not recorded your hours accurately, please notify us as soon as possible.
Data Reproducibility
- Consult with the core director or staff in the planning stage.
- Design your experiment with sufficient controls (rigor) and replicates (reproducibility).
- Follow the sample preparation guidelines discussed at the training. Check the solubility and stability of your samples, filter and degas solvents and samples before starting an experiment.
- Have a clear and detailed protocol and data analysis plan. Ensure that the protocol is strictly followed or that any deviation is well documented.
- Document all steps, reagents, equipment and data collection settings and analysis methods used in the experiment.
- Save all your experimental data.
Please note that the NIH, NSF and other funding agencies require rigor and reproducibility to be addressed explicitly in grant applications. More information can be found here.
Safety Policies
All general Northwestern University safety rules must be observed at all times. Please visit the Office of Research Safety website for details.
Training: specialized ORS training is also required on certain instruments before access is granted.
Food and Drink: food and drink are not permitted in the laboratory at any time.
All Waste: all waste must be disposed of properly.
Liquid Waste: liquid waste placed in the provided containers must be properly documented on log sheets.
Sharp Objects: sharps (pipette tips, syringes, needles, blades, etc.) must be placed in green containers, not the trash.
Hazardous Material: uncommon or exceptionally hazardous materials must be taken back to the user’s lab for disposal.
Samples and Materials: all users are responsible for their own samples and related materials: items should not be left in the Facility without making prior arrangements with Facility staff.
Item Identification: any items left with permission must be properly labeled with contents, user name, and date. Items left for more than 1 year are subject to disposal.
General Policies
Malfunction/Damage: any malfunction or damage of the instruments, computers, or supplies must be reported to Keck staff (either in person or via email) as soon as possible.
Negligence: users assume financial responsibility for any damage to Facility equipment due to gross and/or repeated negligence.
Cleanliness: users should ensure that their work areas are clean, neat, and ready for the next user before leaving the facility.
Return Items: All equipment, tools, supplies, or chemicals used should be returned to their original location.
Borrowed Items: any items borrowed from the facility must be returned promptly. Additionally, you must thoroughly clean any cuvettes or other shared supplies susceptible to contamination.
Data Backup: all users are responsible for their data. Although the Facility maintains regular backups of data as a courtesy, it is ultimately the user’s responsibility to ensure proper data backup.
Data Deletion: any data left on Facility computers for more than 1 year are subject to deletion.
Instrument Access: for most instruments, inexperienced users have 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday access. 24/7 access on an instrument is typically granted upon completing 3 successful sessions, subject to the discretion of Facility management. After-hours key permissions are granted to experienced users only.
Unauthorized Usage: unauthorized use of equipment may result in limitation and/or termination of facility privileges.
Adhere to Policies: repeated failure to comply with Facility policies may result in limitation and/or termination of facility privileges.
Please acknowledge the use of the Keck Biophysics Facility when publishing your work and provide us with a link to your paper.
Acknowledging Keck Biophysics Facility
Please acknowledge the use of the Keck Biophysics Facility, a shared resource of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University supported in part by the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant #P30 CA060553.