Scientist I or II

About the role

WSLH seeks a Scientist with expertise in molecular genomics and sequencing technologies to support and expand innovative research and public health surveillance programs focused on monitoring pathogens in wastewater.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Collections and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• Develops and implements next generation sequencing workflows for wastewater surveillance

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional or academic setting is required.
• Extensive experience with molecular biology techniques supporting next-generation sequencing workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, targeted enrichment, and sequencing quality control.
• Experience implementing, developing, or optimizing NGS library preparation protocols is required.
• Experience with laboratory automation and liquid handling platforms is preferred.
• The successful candidate will have a record of peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated experience training, mentoring, or supervising junior staff, students, or laboratory personnel in molecular laboratory protocols.
• Knowledge: Advanced molecular biology techniques supporting sequencing workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, and next-generation sequencing library preparation
• Targeted enrichment and hybrid capture techniques
• Operation and troubleshooting of sequencing platforms (e.g. Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio)
• Bioinformatics approaches for analysis of data sets
• Quality assurance and quality control practices for molecular and sequencing workflows
• Laboratory automation technologies, including liquid handling instruments
• Experience with laboratory automation, e.g. liquid handling instruments
• Participation in competitive grant applications

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Science or related field is required.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor junior staff and students in laboratory techniques
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experimental protocols and optimize laboratory workflows
• Work effectively as a team player in a diverse work group
• Excellent communication skills in working with other team members, customers and outside contacts
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage complex laboratory workflows and maintain detailed documentation

Skills

• Advanced molecular biology techniques supporting sequencing workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, and next-generation sequencing library preparation
• Targeted enrichment and hybrid capture techniques
• Operation and troubleshooting of sequencing platforms (e.g. Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio)
• Bioinformatics approaches for analysis of data sets
• Quality assurance and quality control practices for molecular and sequencing workflows
• Laboratory automation technologies, including liquid handling instruments
• Experience with laboratory automation, e.g. liquid handling instruments
• Participation in competitive grant applications

Benefits

Compensation: $65,000/year minimum for a Scientist I ($75,000/year minimum for a Scientist II)

Pay

$65,000/year minimum for a Scientist I ($75,000/year minimum for a Scientist II)

Schedule

N/A

Contact Information

To begin the application process please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV AND cover letter.

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