Research Specialist II

Tulane University•New Orleans, LA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Specialist II is responsible for performing and coordinating highly specialized research in biosafety level 2 and level 3 high containment laboratories working with Group 2 (RG2) and 3 (RG3) high consequence pathogens. This includes conducting a wide range of molecular, bacterial, viral, toxicological, and immunological assays, which involve animal model and cell culture techniques. The position may require travel to TUCAiTS laboratories located at the Tulane Primate Center in Covington and the School of Medicine in New Orleans as needed and based on research needs. The Medical Research Specialist will independently work on assigned laboratory projects in coordination with laboratory supervisory staff and under the direction of the principal investigator (PI). They will perform and coordinate live animal portions of experimentation, create and maintain records of experiments, order and track laboratory specimens, supplies, and inventory, and contribute to research publications and other development activities. This role also involves collaborating with lab assistants and student researchers, and ensuring OSHA, Biosafety, and University medical, safety, and training requirements are met. This position requires working in biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities with diverse infectious agents, necessitating strict adherence to standard operating procedures and appropriate personal protective equipment. Depending on agent-specific risk assessments, individuals may be offered or required to have vaccinations. Access to BSL-3 containment areas is required. Additional requirements include obtaining and maintaining clearance of a US Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment, passing a medical respiratory physical, and complying with the TNPRC drug and alcohol policy. Loss of ability to enter the BSL-3 facility may result in disciplinary actions, up to and including termination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Three (3) years of research experience in molecular biology, immunology and/or other microbiology-related disciplines including tissue culture and virus/bacterial cultivation.
Strong interpersonal skills: ability to work collaboratively with others; ability to work as part of a team on project(s) related to biomedical research.
Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
Ability and willingness to work in high containment (biosafety level 3) laboratory environment.
Ability to participate in live animal portions of biomedical experimentation.
Ability to work with infectious agents, biohazardous tissues, and chemicals in a safe and aseptic manner.
Proficiency with common laboratory equipment in a biomedical research laboratory.
Strong familiarity with and ability to follow research protocols.
Knowledge of various software programs for both PC and Mac systems.
Ability to perform meticulous laboratory work with careful attention to detail.
Willingness to work overtime as needed.
Occasional travel to and work at Tulane University School of Medicine.
Obtain and maintain clearance of a US Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment for access to select biological agents and toxins.
Pass a medical respiratory physical to wear respiratory protection.
Participate in and maintain compliance with TNPRC drug and alcohol policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience with animal studies (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

Perform and coordinate highly specialized research in biosafety level 2 and level 3 high containment laboratories working with Group 2 (RG2) and 3 (RG3) high consequence pathogens.
Conduct a wide range of molecular, bacterial, viral, toxicological, and immunological assays.
Perform animal model and cell culture techniques.
Independently work on assigned laboratory projects in coordination with laboratory supervisory staff and under the direction of the principal investigator (PI).
Perform and coordinate live animal portions of experimentation.
Create and maintain records of experiments performed, observations made during the experiment, and results of the experiment.
Order and keep track of laboratory specimens, supplies, and inventory.
Contribute to research publications and other development activities.
Collaborate with the work performance of lab assistants and student researchers, as assigned.
Ensure OSHA, Biosafety and University medical, safety and training requirements are met for the laboratory.
Work in biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities and perform work on diverse infectious agents.
Obtain and maintain clearance of a US Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment for access to select biological agents and toxins.
Pass a medical respiratory physical to wear respiratory protection.
Participate in and maintain compliance with TNPRC drug and alcohol policy.