The Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) is seeking a 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, and 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 BSL-3 facilities.
- Coordinates third-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.
Travel Required
Yes. <5%
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
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