Assistant Research Scientist

The Assistant Research Scientist will participate in support services for surveillance testing for the detection and characterization of circulating and emerging human pathogens of major public health interest, from wastewater collected across numerous sites throughout New York State. State-of-the-art methods employed in this work will include techniques such as particle assisted precipitation, ultracentrifugation, and nucleic acid extraction methods. The incumbent will assist with the receiving, accessioning, processing, and extraction of wastewater samples as well as provide technical support for development work on Quality Assurance projects, methods comparisons, and assay Research and Development.

Wastewater testing is a relatively new and rapidly expanding surveillance method already extensively used for COVID-19 and other critical pathogens. The incumbent will participate in the largest state wastewater surveillance program in the United States. This dynamic program involves multiple collaborating investigators with wastewater testing programs in infectious diseases and organic molecules. The high-quality operation of this front-end laboratory to the entire program is critical to the successful performance of all downstream laboratories and outcomes.

This position will be part of a dynamic team serving the Wadsworth Center's mission as part of the New York State Department of Health's efforts to protect and promote the health of New York's citizens. Come be a part of Science in the Pursuit of Health!

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, medical technology, molecular biology, or a related field and one year of research experience; OR a Master's degree in biology, microbiology, medical technology, molecular biology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a biological/biomedical science. At least one year experience handling infectious agents and performing molecular methods for the extraction of nucleic acid. Experience with laboratory quality assurance practices.

Conditions of Employment

Grant funded position. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required.

Visa sponsorship may be available for this position, in accordance with applicable federal requirements.

Travel up to 10% of the time will be required.

The incumbent in this position may be required to wear personal protective clothing and equipment.

The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire. Telecommuting may be available on a very limited basis.

HRI participates in the E-Verify Program.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Qualified Individuals with Disabilities/Qualified Protected Veterans

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