Research Scientist I

Responsibilities

• Contribute to bacterial disease clinical testing and surveillance through the development and utilization of cutting-edge technologies.
• Utilize conventional and molecular methods for specimen accessioning, bacterial culture, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Study a variety of bacteria of public health importance, including antimicrobial-resistant, vaccine-preventable, sexually transmitted, and other bacterial pathogens.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical technology, with two years of research experience; or Master's degree in the same fields, with one year of research experience.
• NYS Clinical Laboratory License; experience in molecular biology or microbiology.
• Experience in microbiology, including bacterial culture techniques for aerobic & anerobic organisms and susceptibility testing.
• Experience with DNA extraction, real-time PCR, and sequencing.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical technology, with two years of research experience; or Master's degree in the same fields, with one year of research experience.
• This position requires meeting all Federal requirements for staff who perform clinical testing, including the educational requirements, which can be found here: https://hri.box.com/s/v6shwh9z0w05glegrv3fofxzxt4co8nz.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible benefit accounts for medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking, and transit.
• Generous paid time off, including paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation, and personal leave.
• Tuition support for educational or training opportunities.
• Retirement Benefits through the New York State and Local Retirement System and optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.

Pay

Minimum: $69,764.00 annually; additional $4,000 annual downstate adjustment for positions in New York City, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester Counties (pro-rated for part-time positions).

Schedule

Fully onsite with travel up to 10% of the time.

About the Role

The Research Scientist I will work within the Bacteriology laboratory at the Wadsworth Center and contribute to bacterial disease clinical testing and surveillance through the development and utilization of cutting-edge technologies. This work will include the utilization of conventional and molecular methods. The incumbent will accession specimens and perform bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. An array of bacteria of public health importance is studied in the laboratory including those that are antimicrobial resistant, vaccine preventable, sexually transmitted, as well as other bacterial pathogens. This position will be part of a dynamic team serving the Wadsworth Center’s mission in the New York State Department of Health’s efforts to protect and promote the health of New York’s citizens.

Department (OC)

WADS - Wadsworth Center

Conditions of Employment

• Position expected to last through 7/31/27 with anticipated funding thereafter.
• Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables is required.
• Valid and unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Travel up to 10% of the time will be required.
• The selected candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the official work location specified in the job posting and must also be located in or willing to relocate to one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, or Massachusetts, prior to hire.
• This position is fully onsite and does not allow telecommuting.

About Health Research, Inc.

Join us in our mission to make a difference in public health and advance scientific research! At Health Research, Inc. (HRI), your work will contribute to meaningful change and innovation in the communities we serve! At HRI, we are on a mission to transform the health and well-being of the people of New York State through innovative partnerships and cutting-edge public health initiatives. As a dynamic non-profit organization, HRI plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic goals of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC), and other health-related entities. HRI offers a robust, comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible benefit accounts for medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking, and transit.
• Generous paid time off, including paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation, and personal leave.
• Tuition support for educational or training opportunities.
• Retirement Benefits through the New York State and Local Retirement System and optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.

Work Location Expectations

At HRI, the nature of hybrid and onsite work varies by position. Some roles require full onsite presence, while others allow a hybrid schedule. Managers determine the specific telecommuting expectations for each role based on operational needs and job responsibilities. If designated as hybrid, you will divide your time between working remotely and reporting onsite. Regardless of telecommuting status, all HRI employees must live within a reasonable commuting distance of their official work location and must reside in one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Vermont.