Scientist, Research Scientist, Clinical Research

Position: Scientist I
Job Title

Scientist I

Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Department

College Station - Research and Development

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About TVMDL

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is an integral part of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). It consists of four lab locations spread across Texas; two full-service laboratories located in Canyon and College Station and two poultry laboratories in Center and Gonzales. TVMDL is the only state agency entirely dedicated to protecting animal and public health through diagnostic testing.

TVMDL is a state-of-the-art veterinary diagnostic laboratory that collects hundreds of data points concerning veterinary diagnostics and population health each day. TVMDL is a state agency under the TAMUS umbrella that serves the veterinary community and is an independent entity from the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Texas A&M System employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs for employees and their family. Other standard benefits include generous retirement plans, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, flexible spending accounts, as well as paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave. In addition, TVMDL offers its employees opportunities to participate in an educational reimbursement plan; discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies;

a formal career ladder for advancement; and continuing education opportunities.

About the Section

This position serves as a Scientist I in the Research and Development Section, which aids in the development and validation of diagnostic assays for other agency sections.

This position requires a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs.

Job Description Summary

The Scientist I designs studies and performs laboratory experiments to develop, optimize, and verify/validate diagnostic assays to be implemented in TVMDL testing sections. Performs literature searches and keeps up-to-date with innovations in the field. Implements new technologies and diagnostic capabilities. Evaluates, selects, and executes standard and advanced scientific techniques used in a molecular diagnostic laboratory. Keeps thorough documentation of test development and validation as needed.

Participates as a productive team member in support of TVMDL objectives wherever feasible. Performs additional related duties as required or assigned by supervisor or Laboratory Director in support of research services. This role requires the ability to troubleshoot routine and complex problems with minimal supervision; makes recommendations to supervisors. The incumbent will also be involved in current research projects as time allows.

Responsibilities

Sample Preparation, Sample Cataloging. Performs sample processing and preparation and ensures samples are fit for purpose of research and testing. Performs complex sample preparation and/or extraction techniques, library preparations per kit inserts and published research. Files and/or catalogs samples, specimens or other materials for archival and validation purposes.

Data Entry, Interpretation, Results. Reads, computes and precisely and accurately records observations, results, and measurements into TVMDL's approved notebooks or equivalent type of record-keeping carrier. Interprets results that require complex subjective evaluation. These records are maintained in a manner so other informed laboratory personnel can determine the status at all times. Ensures documentation for all tests performed in the section meets quality assurance requirements.

Communication. Possesses strong written and oral communication skills. Communicates results, interpretations, recommendations, and answers complex questions externally and with other TVMDL laboratory sections. Participates in meetings with industry representatives to discuss and design research efforts.

Quality Assurance & Safety. Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures in the laboratory. Leads by example in regard to quality assurance and safety activities. Responsible for safe handling of hazardous chemicals

Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation. Prepares reports on special assignments.

Research, Reference Materials, Development. Under the direction of supervisor, researches new methodologies and suggests implementation of novel techniques for diagnostic testing. Develops and implements new tests (includes writing SOPs, completion of validation/development records, and submission through quality management software), instrument configuration and documentation of assay protocols, performs test validation and verification. Performs data collection and data analysis, as well as drafts manuscripts for publication.

Writes journal articles and presents at scientific sessions documenting research discoveries. Researches, writes and edits applications for grant funding.…