Infectious Research Scientist; Guthrie Agricultural Center, Guthrie, WV

West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Position Description

Job Title: Infectious Research Scientist

Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs

Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, WV

Reports To: Assistant Director, Laboratory Services

Supervisory Responsibility: None

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The Infectious Research Scientist is responsible for administrative and professional level scientific research and analysis associated with the activities of the Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division.

• Provides vision and direction for research activities within a broad range of disciplines, i.e. microbiology, chemistry, molecular, and genomics.
• Plan and conduct experiments; analyze results of experiments and provide conclusions.
• Organize, analyze data, and monitor the progress during the course of the research projects.
• Develop and review research proposals including reports for customers or publications, if applicable.
• Develop and review research grant applications; conduct detailed technical work, and manage all aspects of grants and proposals, including reporting.
• Design and implement research projects in the laboratory.
• Perform related work in the maintenance of a quality assurance program for the laboratories.
• Provide professional advice and guidance regarding analysis involving formulation of a new method or revision of an existing standards method.
• Responsible for data acquisition, data analysis, and presentation of research results.
• Train and supervise research personnel, ensure staff are trained in current methodology and safety procedures in the laboratory.
• Prepare and present data for publication in scientific meetings and conferences.
• Stay current with the literature and regularly lead discussions of new reports pertinent to ongoing and proposed projects in regularly scheduled onsite laboratory meetings.
• Prepare official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Utilize a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and other computer operations.
• Write SOPs and test methods; handle samples and perform analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Sign reports as the department representative when delegated signature authority.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment; report deficiencies or malfunctions to management.
• Identify and record nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests; identify and record potential nonconformities on Preventive Action Requests; take corrective action.
• Develop and maintain quality assurance measures to assure that analytical standards are being met; promote and practice continuous improvement philosophy in laboratory and/or quality activities.
• Develop methods consistent with the laboratories’ equipment for analyses of food, milk, milk products, environmental, water, cultures, and animal tissue samples.
• Perform standard bacteriological, chemical, and related tests and observations in accordance with scientific principles and techniques.
• Report questionable findings.
• Analyze and interpret test results in order to assist in the administration of laws, regulations, or specifications relating to the chemical and microbiological composition of the products analyzed.
• Accurately maintain records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert when reviewing new or revised methods.
• Prepare in-house proficiency check samples, when necessary, for other laboratory staff.
• Provide professional advice and guidance in new or revised existing laboratory methods.
• Perform duties as Technical Lead and/or Biosafety Officer as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Laboratory/office environment. Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull, and handle objects and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. May require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals, and hot surfaces capable of burns. Warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied and required for laboratory staff.

Exposure to unpleasant odors may…