BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 42005985 (FOR INTERNAL EMPLOYEES ONLY) 1
About The Position
The Biological Scientist II provides high quality analysis on a variety of virological diagnostic procedures. These responsibilities require competence, technical judgement, and a high degree of independence in performing various analytical techniques. As Biological Scientist II, the incumbent is responsible for performing various tests performed in virology section such as Virus neutralization, fluorescent antibody tests for viruses and bacteria, Rabies-Fluorescent antibody testing, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) and qPCR. The Biological scientist II is responsible for the preparation of materials for electron microscopy by the negative staining technique, the operation and the use of the electron microscope to properly identify viruses based on the established standards. Responsible for maintenance of cell lines used in virus isolation and virology tests. Perform isolation and identification of viruses by processing clinical, and samples received from necropsy. Responsible for preparation of reagents, stains and solutions used in the various viral diagnostic procedures. Responsible for maintaining the stock virus and cell cultures used in virology section and perform the quality control on the cell lines and viruses used in the section following the established procedures. The incumbent maintains comprehensive Quality Assurance records and monitors all departmental activities, including sample receipt and processing, supply procurement, assay control performance, reagent variability, and equipment maintenance and promptly report any abnormalities to the Section head. The incumbent is also responsible for ordering tests, entering results, and coordinating case reports within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure accurate and timely report generation for clients. The incumbent is expected to maintain a laboratory that can pass a rigorous audit at all times this includes but not limited to Maintaining QA/QC records for instruments, equipment, and test systems; assist in arranging preventative maintenance and calibration with minimal supervision. Maintain Levey‑Jennings charts for quantitative assays and identify deviations or trends requiring corrective action. Assist senior scientists and the Section Head in drafting and revising SOPs, updating forms, and ensuring QA documents remain current and compliant with AAVLD standards. Contribute to validation studies for new assays, including RT‑qPCR and other virology tests introduced to the section. Successfully completes the proficiency check tests as required for the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) and International Veterinary proficiency testing center (IVPTC). Incumbent determines the supplies that are necessary for full laboratory function, and co-ordinates with the supervisor for ordering the supplies. Provide guidance and training to new personnel on established virology procedures. Train new employee and cross section employees in virology tests. Assist in evaluating new testing procedures or techniques and recommend workflow improvements when appropriate. Perform Holiday duties as assigned by supervisor or the Microbiology Department head. Responsible for general upkeep and orderliness of workstations of the virology section. Is responsible for the disposal of all contaminated lab ware and used viral cultures to assure that the methods of disposal of such contaminated materials is in accordance with standard laboratory safety procedures. Performs other duties as required.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological, physical, natural, or agricultural sciences and one (1) year of related professional experience; or A master’s degree from an accredited college or university as described above.
- Requires possession of a valid driver license.
- Incumbent may be required to pass a pulmonary function test with medical evaluation, undergo and pass regular fit-testing, and wear a respirator when required.
- Incumbent is required to get Rabies shot and titers, since this position required working in the Rabies Laboratory.
- Proficient in Microsoft word and excel
- Proficient in Liquid handling using micropipettes and serological pipettes
- Ability to perform calculations for unit conversions and dilutions
- Ability to demonstrate and understand the technical instructions
- Proficient to handle and maintain various kinds of microscopes used in the section (light microscope Inverted microscope, fluorescent microscope)
Nice To Haves
- In order to be fit tested and wear a respirator, no facial hair will be permitted between the respirator face seal and the wearer’s face.
Responsibilities
- Provides high quality analysis on a variety of virological diagnostic procedures.
- Performs various tests performed in virology section such as Virus neutralization, fluorescent antibody tests for viruses and bacteria, Rabies-Fluorescent antibody testing, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) and qPCR.
- Responsible for the preparation of materials for electron microscopy by the negative staining technique.
- Operates and uses the electron microscope to properly identify viruses based on established standards.
- Responsible for maintenance of cell lines used in virus isolation and virology tests.
- Performs isolation and identification of viruses by processing clinical, and samples received from necropsy.
- Responsible for preparation of reagents, stains and solutions used in the various viral diagnostic procedures.
- Responsible for maintaining the stock virus and cell cultures used in virology section and perform the quality control on the cell lines and viruses used in the section following the established procedures.
- Maintains comprehensive Quality Assurance records and monitors all departmental activities, including sample receipt and processing, supply procurement, assay control performance, reagent variability, and equipment maintenance and promptly report any abnormalities to the Section head.
- Responsible for ordering tests, entering results, and coordinating case reports within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure accurate and timely report generation for clients.
- Maintains a laboratory that can pass a rigorous audit at all times.
- Assists in arranging preventative maintenance and calibration with minimal supervision.
- Maintains Levey‑Jennings charts for quantitative assays and identify deviations or trends requiring corrective action.
- Assists senior scientists and the Section Head in drafting and revising SOPs, updating forms, and ensuring QA documents remain current and compliant with AAVLD standards.
- Contributes to validation studies for new assays, including RT‑qPCR and other virology tests introduced to the section.
- Successfully completes the proficiency check tests as required for the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) and International Veterinary proficiency testing center (IVPTC).
- Determines the supplies that are necessary for full laboratory function, and co-ordinates with the supervisor for ordering the supplies.
- Provide guidance and training to new personnel on established virology procedures.
- Train new employee and cross section employees in virology tests.
- Assist in evaluating new testing procedures or techniques and recommend workflow improvements when appropriate.
- Perform Holiday duties as assigned by supervisor or the Microbiology Department head.
- Responsible for general upkeep and orderliness of workstations of the virology section.
- Responsible for the disposal of all contaminated lab ware and used viral cultures to assure that the methods of disposal of such contaminated materials is in accordance with standard laboratory safety procedures.
- Performs other duties as required.
Benefits
- Annual and Sick Leave benefits
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tuition waivers
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
