The Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) is a seeking highly motivated Senior Microbiologist to work within the Respiratory and Gastroenteric Diseases Section (RGDS) – COVIDNet Unit. The primary role of the candidate will be to work collaboratively and cross-functionally with colleagues by overseeing the Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) operations and activities of the BSL-3 laboratory suite used by VRDL. This position involves working with VRDL section staff, facility management and administrative staff to ensure safety, consistency, efficiency and compliance of the research laboratories and programs.
The Senior Microbiologist is expected to maintain readiness to assist with sample receipt and methods used in the BSL3. In addition, the Senior Microbiologist is expected to stay updated with scientific literature, contribute academically by drafting abstracts and manuscripts, offer guidance to other scientists in VRDL, participate in grant writing, provide training for workshops and seminars. Moreover, the Senior Microbiologist will also assist with sample processing, extraction, PCR, and NGS workflows in the COVIDNet unit, as needed.
The position is in Richmond, CA.
Must submit a resume with application.
Must be able to work flexible hours that may include weekends and holidays.
The salary range for this position is $93,603.60 - $110,244.24 annually depending on experience/qualifications.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Management, planning, and overseeing the daily administrative and operational activities for the multi-investigator core BSL-3 facilities used by VRDL.
Provides technical expertise and safety guidance to BSL-3 users.
Maintain frequent communications with all BSL-3 users, including section chiefs, unit supervisors and laboratory personnel to ensure BSL-3 laboratory operations are safe and meet regulatory expectations.
Coordinate with VRDL leadership, biosafety team, and building facilities management, emergency management personnel and other internal and external entities to support the functions of the BLS-3 facilities.
Coordinates 3rd party vendor maintenance contract activities.
Schedule and coordinate routine facility maintenance, annual preventative maintenance, and equipment certifications.
Coordinates annual shutdown and facilities decontamination.
Maintains physical security of the BSL-3 facilities.
Responsible for purchasing and maintaining all PPE and general supplies needed for the BSL-3.
Read, review, and write necessary BSL-3 SOPs, including donning and doffing, BSL-3 safety manuals and emergency response SOPs.
Provide training for BSL-3 users, as needed. Participate in scheduled meetings with BSL-3 users and campus administrative and safety personnel.
Stay updated with the latest scientific advancements, draft manuscripts, and participate in grant proposal writing.
Offer scientific consultation to external and internal microbiologists and assist in training workshops.
Fulfill other assigned duties, including supporting COVIDNet during peak times.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Broad scientific background in microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, or related scientific field
Experience and familiarity with laboratory management is required
Experience working in BSL3 is preferred, but not required
Knowledge and experience with laboratory work environments (BSL-2 minimum) and sterile technique are required.
Experience with standard precautions for working with potentially infectious clinical specimens, particularly working in class II BSC.
Experience or proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as PCR and NGS
Experience with developing standard operating procedures
Ability to conduct and report on scientific experiments while maintaining careful attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practices
Strong communication skills, self-motivation, and proven ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams
Excellent organizational, prioritization and planning skills to ensure projects are complete under established deadlines and timelines.
Education/Experience
Doctoral degree in the field of molecular biology, genetics, systems biology, chemistry, or related fields
Master/Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant experience
Certificates/Licenses
Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate or eligibility for the Public Health Microbiologist training program, preferred
Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint
Familiarity working with databases
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals
Ability to multi-task and work effectively under pressure
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Frequently
Sit: Frequently
Handling / Fingering: Frequently
Reach Outward: Occasionally
Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs
Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
See (Vision): Constantly
Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable
KEY
Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)
Frequently = (2+ - 5 hrs/day)
Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
General office and laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled
EEOC STATEMENT
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
