Research Specialist II

Tulane University•Covington, LA

About The Position

The Research Specialist II performs experiments in Level 2 and Level 3 laboratories and works with Risk Group 3 agents, including Coxiella burnetii, Bacillus anthracis, Brucella abortus, Burkholderia pseudomallei, and coronaviruses. The position receives training from the Lab Manager and the Institutional Department of Biosafety. Experiments may involve molecular biology, pathology, immunology, and microbiology, and must follow established Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs). The role also includes rodent studies and weekend work as needed. The position conducts research analysis and prepares reports; manages daily laboratory operations; maintains experimental records; and orders and tracks laboratory specimens, supplies, and inventory. It contributes to publication, research, and development activities and may monitor the work performance of lab assistants and student researchers. The specialist ensures that applicable OSHA, biosafety, and University medical, safety, and training requirements are met. Occasional travel between the biocontainment laboratories at TNBRC in Covington and Tulane University’s School of Medicine in New Orleans may be required based on research needs. The position requires access to BSL3 containment areas and may require Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment clearance for access to select biological agents and toxins, a medical respiratory physical for use of respiratory protection, and compliance with TNBRC’s drug and alcohol policy and applicable state and federal laws. Losing the ability to enter the BSL3 facility may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biological science.
Two years of experience in biomedical research or equivalent disciplines.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet established deadlines.
Proficiency in using typical biomedical or microbiological laboratory equipment.
Ability to work as part of a team on biomedical research projects.
Attention to detail and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work in fast-paced environments under strict deadlines.
Must obtain and maintain US Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment clearance for access to select biological agents and toxins, if required for access.
Must pass a medical respiratory physical to wear respiratory protection.
Must comply with TNBRC’s drug and alcohol policy and applicable state and federal laws governing use of the TNBRC BSL3 laboratories.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Knowledge of BSL2 and/or BSL3 biocontainment principles and protocols for animal and laboratory spaces.
Experience with non-human primate experiments and rodent handling.

Responsibilities

Perform experiments in Level 2 and Level 3 laboratories, including work with Risk Group 3 agents, in accordance with established SOPs.
Conduct experiments involving molecular biology, pathology, immunology, and microbiology.
Perform rodent studies.
Conduct research analysis and prepare reports.
Manage daily operational functions of the laboratory and maintain experimental records.
Order and track laboratory specimens, supplies, and inventory.
Contribute to publication, research, and development activities.
Monitor 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.
Travel occasionally between biocontainment laboratories at TNBRC in Covington and Tulane University’s School of Medicine in New Orleans, as research needs require.
Work weekends as needed.