Research Specialist II

Tulane University•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

The Research Specialist II performs and coordinates specialized research in biosafety level 2 and level 3 high-containment laboratories, working with Group 2 (RG2) and Group 3 (RG3) high-consequence pathogens. The work includes molecular, bacterial, viral, toxicological, and immunological assays, as well as animal model and cell culture techniques. The position may require travel to TUCAiTS laboratories at the Tulane Primate Center in Covington and the School of Medicine in New Orleans, as research needs require. The specialist independently conducts assigned laboratory projects in coordination with supervisory staff and under the direction of the principal investigator. Duties include coordinating live-animal experimentation, documenting experiments and results, managing specimens and supplies, contributing to publications and other development activities, collaborating with lab assistants and student researchers, and ensuring laboratory compliance with OSHA, biosafety, and University medical, safety, and training requirements. This position requires access to BSL-3 facilities and work with infectious agents that may cause serious disease if procedures and appropriate personal protective equipment are not followed. Depending on agent-specific risk assessments, relevant vaccinations may be offered or required. Additional conditions may include obtaining and maintaining U.S. Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment clearance for access to select biological agents and toxins, passing a medical respiratory physical, complying with the TNPRC drug and alcohol policy, and meeting applicable state and federal requirements. Loss of BSL-3 access may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Three years of research experience in molecular biology, immunology, and/or other microbiology-related disciplines, including tissue culture and virus or bacterial cultivation.
Ability and willingness to work in a high-containment BSL-3 laboratory.
Ability to participate in live-animal portions of biomedical experimentation.
Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a biomedical research team.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work safely and aseptically with infectious agents, biohazardous tissues, and chemicals.
Proficiency with common biomedical research laboratory equipment.
Strong familiarity with research protocols and ability to follow them.
Knowledge of software programs for both PC and Mac systems.
Willingness to work overtime as needed.
Meet additional BSL-3 access requirements, which may include DOJ Security Risk Assessment clearance, passing a medical respiratory physical, compliance with the TNPRC drug and alcohol policy, and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

Nice To Haves

Experience with animal studies involving rodents and/or nonhuman primates.
Experience working in a BSL-3 laboratory environment.
Master’s degree in a science and/or public health field.

Responsibilities

Independently work on assigned laboratory projects in coordination with laboratory supervisory staff and under the direction of the principal investigator.
Perform and coordinate live-animal portions of experiments.
Create and maintain records of experiments, observations, and results.
Order and track laboratory specimens, supplies, and inventory.
Contribute to research publications and other development activities.
Collaborate with lab assistants and student researchers as assigned.
Ensure laboratory compliance with OSHA, biosafety, and University medical, safety, and training requirements.
Work with infectious agents, biohazardous tissues, and chemicals safely and aseptically.
Follow research protocols and perform meticulous laboratory work with attention to detail.
Travel occasionally to and work at Tulane University School of Medicine, and travel to other listed laboratories as research needs require.