Research Scientist ; Virology

Duties Description

The selected candidate will be involved in all aspects of infectious disease serology specimen processing including arbovirus and tick-borne pathogen testing. The selected candidate will also perform serology testing related to certain common vaccine-preventable diseases. Responsibilities will also include the management of specimen entry into the laboratory information management system (CLIMS); performing standard serology assays including samples for Zika, West Nile Virus, or Chikungunya IgM, capture ELISAs, Luminex assays (Flavivirus microsphere immunoassay, Arbovirus microsphere assay), arbovirus and tickborne pathogen indirect immunofluorescence assays, Lyme disease ELISAs and Western blots;

maintain the laboratory’s test results in CLIMS; assist in the development and optimization of in‑house serology and molecular assays for infectious agents; evaluation of commercial assays, and special projects utilizing serology assays; prepare standard operating procedures as needed and assist in the preparation of validation packets for the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program; supervise new staff as needed and prepare PowerPoint presentations for lab meetings.

The selected candidate will also contribute to testing clinical specimens as needed for surge testing during outbreaks.

The selected candidate will be involved in all aspects of infectious disease serology specimen processing including arbovirus and tick-borne pathogen testing. The selected candidate will also perform serology testing related to certain common vaccine-preventable diseases. Responsibilities will also include the management of specimen entry into the laboratory information management system (CLIMS); performing standard serology assays including, samples for Zika, West Nile Virus, or Chikungunya IgM, capture ELISAs, Luminex assays (Flavivirus microsphere immunoassay, Arbovirus microsphere assay), arbovirus and tickborne pathogen indirect immunofluorescence assays, Lyme disease ELISAs and Western blots;

maintain the laboratory’s test results in CLIMS; assist in the development and optimization of in house serology and molecular assays for infectious agents; evaluation of commercial assays, and special projects utilizing serology assays; prepare standard operating procedures as needed and assist in the preparation of validation packets for the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program; supervise new staff as needed and prepare PowerPoint presentations for lab meetings.

The selected candidate will also contribute to testing clinical specimens as needed for surge testing during outbreaks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Non-Competitive: bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and two years of post-degree professional research experience
  * in an appropriate field.
• Substitutions: master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

The preferred candidate will have work experience or course work in clinical laboratory sciences, microbiology, public health or infectious diseases. Experience in clinical or diagnostic immunology principles and practice, including Luminex-based assays, ELISAs, and fluorescence microscopy. Familiarity with molecular biology principles and experience in asceptic techniques and general molecular biology techniques. A knowledge of good laboratory practice (GLP) is desirable, as is familiarity with procedures performed per CLEP/CLIA standards.

Experience with CLIMS or a similar information management system is desirable. Supervisory and/or teamwork experience is a plus. The preferred candidate will have excellent written and…