Scientific Assistant

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

In this role, you will provide experienced assistance for the CDC Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant-funded partnership with WA PHL “Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence” (PGCoE) by assisting the Scientific Laboratory Manager, current Scientific Assistant, and the Principal Investigators of the project within the Molecular Diagnostics section of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL). Your duties will include: networking with PHL partners; assisting with the validation of PGCoE-developed pathogen surveillance paradigm, molecular and bioinformatic methods implemented into WADDL; participation in PHL led training events; development and maintenance of campus-based, WADDL-owned high-performance computing environment; curation of project next-generation sequencing (NGS) data; development of SOPs for NGS; analyzing experimental results and participating in preparing scientific information for publication. You will adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) and protocols, conduct molecular diagnostics tests as required and participate in molecular diagnostics research and development efforts. Eligibility and understanding of BSL-2 laboratory safety guidelines and work environment is required.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.
• Physical eligibility required for working in BSL-2 and environments. See the following link for more information. https://www.cdc.gov/training/QuickLearns/biosafety/

Nice To Haves

• At least 20 semester or 30 quarter credit hours in microbiology at the college level.
• Master’s or PhD degree in Molecular Biosciences or Computational Biology field.
• One year laboratory experience.
• Experimental and analytical skills; understanding and knowledge of research theory.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in: isolation of DNA and RNA from tissue and body fluids/samples; quality and quantity evaluation of extracted nucleic acids using capillary electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and fluorimetry; use of PCR in identification of microbial agents; library preparation and sample multiplexing for Next Generation Sequencing, using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Next-generation Sequencing Bioinformatics and a fundamental understanding of command line computing.
• Familiarity with data visualization software and one or more of the following coding languages: Python, R, BASH, perl.
• Demonstrated knowledge of infectious diseases and experience working with zoonotic agents in appropriate biosafety levels.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including MS Office suite.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• networking with PHL partners
• assisting with the validation of PGCoE-developed pathogen surveillance paradigm, molecular and bioinformatic methods implemented into WADDL
• participation in PHL led training events
• development and maintenance of campus-based, WADDL-owned high-performance computing environment
• curation of project next-generation sequencing (NGS) data
• development of SOPs for NGS
• analyzing experimental results and participating in preparing scientific information for publication
• adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) and protocols
• conduct molecular diagnostics tests as required
• participate in molecular diagnostics research and development efforts

Benefits

• WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees