Research Specialist/Lab Technician - Rollins School of Public Health

Emory University•Atlanta, GA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

This Research Specialist position involves providing laboratory support for a clinical trial that examines human norovirus infection and a new anti-viral drug. The position is based in the Hubert Department of Global Health at the Rollins School of Public Health. Responsibilities include: 1) running enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) on saliva and serum specimens from potential study subjects to determine trial eligibility; 2) conducting nucleic acid extraction and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays on stool and vomitus specimens from enrolled subjects to measure infection; and 3) testing longitudinal serum specimens from enrolled subjects to measure immune response. SOPs for these assays have already been developed and validated. In addition, the Research Specialist will be responsible for assisting with specimen labeling and aliquoting, specimen collection from the clinical research unit at Emory Hospital, lab QA/QC practices, assay data entry, and assay data management. Experience with ELISA methods, nucleic acid extraction, and RT-PCR required. Clinical trials experience with documentation practices and good organizational skills are important. Also, experience with data spreadsheets (Excel) and basic data analysis is preferred. This industry-sponsored study is a collaboration between investigators at the Hope Clinic and the Rollins School of Public Health. Our lab in the Rollins School of Public Health has a two faculty, a full-time Lab Manager, a part-time Senior Research Staff member, and several part-time MPH students.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
Experience with ELISA methods, nucleic acid extraction, and RT-PCR required.
Clinical trials experience with documentation practices.
Good organizational skills.
Experience with data spreadsheets (Excel) and basic data analysis is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience with data spreadsheets (Excel) and basic data analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision, performs a variety of defined research and laboratory tests and experiments according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules.
Sets up experiments as prescribed by a principal investigator.
May be required to participate in laboratory maintenance activities such as sterilization and cleaning of equipment, ordering of supplies, inventory and media preparation.
Maintains records, files and logs of work performed in laboratory notebooks and computer databases.
Compiles data and records results of studies for publications, grants and seminar presentations.
Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
Performs related responsibilities as required by principal investigator.
Running enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) on saliva and serum specimens from potential study subjects to determine trial eligibility.
Conducting nucleic acid extraction and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays on stool and vomitus specimens from enrolled subjects to measure infection.
Testing longitudinal serum specimens from enrolled subjects to measure immune response.
Assisting with specimen labeling and aliquoting.
Specimen collection from the clinical research unit at Emory Hospital.
Lab QA/QC practices.
Assay data entry.
Assay data management.