R&D Clinical Laboratory Scientist

About the role

VST, LLC dba Medgene is a technology and manufacturing company based in Brookings, South Dakota that is inspiring the world to prevent emerging and zoonotic diseases for a better life. This involves helping veterinarians and animal owners improve animal welfare with immunological products and services. Applying a strategy of continuous diagnostic surveillance and bioinformatics to the practice of immunology, Medgene creates vaccines for emerging diseases faster and more precisely. Medgene's mission is to serve as a world-class Immunological Services Provider™ to animal care providers.

A Research and Development (R&D) Clinical and Laboratory Scientist (hybrid position) will collaborate within the R&D team and participate in both Clinical and Laboratory aspects of the R&D Department. This Scientist will participate in conducting/monitoring clinical research studies according to protocol, both internally and with external collaborators at contracted study sites, as well as be responsible for the organization and management of clinical study data. This Scientist will also assist with performing laboratory assays in support of R&D. Projects within R&D focus on vaccine research for various diseases in multiple species to achieve vaccine licensure and to support post-licensure needs. The position requires the ability to read and understand standard operating procedures and be able to execute the procedures to ensure compliance with CVB regulations. The position requires the ability to perform detail-oriented work and to successfully integrate within a strong R&D team. Good documentation practices are required. The Clinical and Laboratory Scientist will report to the Clinical Manager and will not have direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Perform in both an individual and team setting
• Follow detailed instructions, scientific protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures
• Conduct studies that meet animal care, use, and welfare requirements, under USDA oversight
• Perform vaccination and sample collections with production and laboratory species
• Provide daily husbandry care for laboratory species; periodically, as needed
• Work with contracted study site collaborators for study monitoring
• Track and document study and/or laboratory data with good documentation practices
• Operate and maintain animal handling and laboratory equipment
• Work collaboratively with team members to accomplish project goals and milestones
• Monitor compliance with written procedures and occupational health and safety regulations, ensuring a culture of safety for all employees
• Perform other work as needed

Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field such as animal science, biology, or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
• Must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Medgene Labs does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B, or TN status) for this position.
• Knowledge of:
  • Appropriate methods and techniques of animal handling and husbandry
  • Appropriate methods for handling and processing test articles and samples
  • Good documentation practices in data capture, management, and reporting to ensure data integrity
  • General laboratory principles and equipment
  • Microsoft Word and Excel computer skills
• Ability to:
  • Follow detailed directions and instructions
  • Work with various live animal species (production and laboratory species)
  • Work outdoors in various weather conditions
  • Travel occasionally for study events at contracted study sites
  • Work safely with infectious materials and specimens using biosecurity procedures
  • Operate general lab equipment and computers
  • Communicate information clearly (both written and verbal)
  • Perform duties with a high degree of attention to detail
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others