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. 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, depending on research needs. The position works independently on assigned laboratory projects in coordination with laboratory supervisory staff and under the direction of the principal investigator. It performs and coordinates live-animal experimentation, maintains detailed experimental records, manages laboratory specimens, supplies, and inventory, contributes to research publications and other development activities, and collaborates with lab assistants and student researchers as assigned. The role also helps ensure compliance with OSHA, biosafety, and University medical, safety, and training requirements. This role requires access to BSL-3 containment areas and work with diverse infectious agents that may cause serious human disease if standard operating procedures and appropriate personal protective equipment are not used. Depending on agent-specific risk assessments, vaccinations may be offered or required. Additional access requirements may include obtaining and maintaining a U.S. Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment clearance for select biological agents and toxins, passing a medical respiratory physical, and complying with the TNPRC drug and alcohol policy. The position is subject to applicable state and federal laws governing BSL-3 laboratories. Loss of access to the BSL-3 facility 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 BSL-3 high-containment laboratory.
Ability to participate in live-animal biomedical experimentation.
Ability to work safely and aseptically with infectious agents, biohazardous tissues, and chemicals.
Proficiency with common laboratory equipment used in biomedical research.
Strong familiarity with and ability to follow research protocols.
Knowledge of software programs for PC and Mac systems.
Meticulous laboratory work and careful attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Willingness to work overtime as needed.
Meet applicable BSL-3 access requirements, which may include maintaining a U.S. Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment clearance, passing a medical respiratory physical, and complying with the TNPRC drug and alcohol policy.
Comply with state and federal laws regulating BSL-3 laboratories.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform and coordinate specialized research in BSL-2 and BSL-3 high-containment laboratories involving RG2 and RG3 pathogens.
Conduct molecular, bacterial, viral, toxicological, and immunological assays, including animal-model and cell-culture work.
Independently perform assigned laboratory projects in coordination with laboratory supervisory staff and under the direction of the principal investigator.
Perform and coordinate live-animal portions of experimentation.
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 collaboratively as part of a biomedical research team and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Work safely and aseptically with infectious agents, biohazardous tissues, and chemicals, following research protocols and applicable safety requirements.
Travel occasionally to and work at Tulane University School of Medicine; travel to TUCAiTS laboratories at the Tulane Primate Center and School of Medicine may be required as research needs dictate.
Work overtime as needed.