Assistant Research Scientist

Health Research, Inc. • Albany, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Research Scientist will work within the Wadsworth Center Mycology Laboratory to assist with surveillance activities of fungal pathogens of public health importance. The incumbent will perform culture and molecular-based technologies for identification and screening of fungal pathogens. These will include culturing of fungal pathogens on different media, identification by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and by molecular methods. The incumbent will also provide support to staff who perform assay development and validation; assist with the collection and deposition of yeasts and molds in Mycology Culture Collection Repository, and perform data entry in the Wadsworth Center’s Clinical Laboratory Information Management System (CLIMS). The incumbent will perform all quality assurance and quality controls pertaining to test performed. 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. Come be a part of Science in the Pursuit of Health®!

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology, and one year of research experience; OR a Master’s degree in a related field.
• Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is 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.
• The incumbent in this position will be required to wear personal protective clothing and equipment.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience in medical technology, molecular biology, or microbiology.
• Basic understanding or demonstrated knowledge of microbial culture, DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing.
• Experience writing reports and giving presentations.
• Experience analyzing data, and preparing data summaries.

Responsibilities

• Assist with surveillance activities of fungal pathogens of public health importance.
• Perform culture and molecular-based technologies for identification and screening of fungal pathogens.
• Culture fungal pathogens on different media.
• Identification by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and by molecular methods.
• Provide support to staff who perform assay development and validation.
• Assist with the collection and deposition of yeasts and molds in Mycology Culture Collection Repository.
• Perform data entry in the Wadsworth Center’s Clinical Laboratory Information Management System (CLIMS).
• Perform all quality assurance and quality controls pertaining to test performed.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from
• Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit
• Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave
• Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities
• Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees