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Dr. Karen Levy's research group in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist who will serve as a Lab Manager.
Our group carries out research on the ecology and epidemiology of enteric diseases. We use environmental microbiology and environmental epidemiology methods to study water quality, food safety, and the impact of climate and land use change on the transmission of diarrheal diseases. More information about our group can be found at http://www.klevyresearch.org. The lab is moving from Emory University to University of Washington in June 2020.
The Research Scientist will work on multiple ongoing projects as well as manage the day-to-day activities for the laboratory-based aspects of the research. The position will join the research team on three major ongoing projects. Project 1, The ECoMiD study, is a cohort study examining the interactions between enteric pathogens and the gut microbiome along an urban-rural gradient in coastal Ecuador. Project 2, the PAASIM study, seeks to understand the acute and long-term health impacts of a large-scale piped water intervention in Beira, Mozambique. Project 3, the ChEEP study aims to identify critical points of childhood exposure to enteric pathogens carried by poultry, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, and to develop intervention strategies to mitigate these risks.
The Research Scientist will perform similar tasks across the projects.
Research Study Management: manage supply ordering and tracking of grant spending for laboratory expenses; order and organize transport of supplies from U.S. to field sites in Mozambique/Ecuador; coordinate specimen management and flow, including shipping of samples internationally, for each of the projects; develop and pilot laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures for collection and processing of fecal, blood, and water samples; manage material and data transfer agreements; develop and conduct training with international field and laboratory staff; conduct or coordinate laboratory processing and analyses of samples (extraction, qPCR, immunoassays); manage organization and inventory of samples from all projects in lab in the U.S.; conduct exploratory analysis of sample collection and processing data; communicate with project teams to ensure project activities run smoothly; travel to field sites to perform trainings and project oversight with international partners; manage and analyze data; contribute to scientific manuscripts.
Laboratory management: manage biosafety protocols; oversee UW EH&S lab safety compliance and prepare for lab inspections; dispose of biological and chemical waste; track research team laboratory trainings; maintain laboratory sample, supply, and equipment inventories; schedule regular maintenance of lab equipment; miscellaneous wet lab work as needed (e.g., bacteria culture, PCR, qPCR, sample extraction); supervise students in the lab; organize protocols and other files in central location; coordinate with research program manager on administrative tasks; data cleaning and management; and assist in submission of grant proposals
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in microbiology, epidemiology or related field and one year of relevant experience. A successful candidate will have laboratory management experience, in particular experience with microbiology research, development of protocols, management of sample flow and inventory, and management of databases. The candidate must have a positive and collaborative attitude, and be highly organized and able to balance time spent on multiple different projects. Experience with general microbiological and molecular laboratory techniques is required. Exceptional communication skills are required. Proficiency in various computer programs including Microsoft Office and Google Suite. The candidate should also have the ability to work on tasks independently with minimal supervision.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as license/certification/registration.
Desired:
Familiarity with processes such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR assays, and multiplex immunoassay platforms is desired, and bench-side experience with one or more of these methods is a plus. Experience with data analysis software is desired. Ideal candidate would have a working proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese; have experience with international fieldwork; have training in statistics or epidemiology; and have some knowledge of enteric pathogens
Application Process: The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
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