Job Title: Research Scientist Manager
Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston WV
FLSA Status: Exempt

NOTE: This position is contingent on grant funding. It is expected, but not assured, that funding will continue. In the event of funding loss, this position may be terminated.

Nature of Work:
The Research Scientist Manager is responsible for planning, conducting, analyzing and overseeing experiments within a broad range of disciplines, including chemistry, microbiology, environmental molecular, and genomics.

Examples of Work:

• Design and implement laboratory research projects.
• Coordinate all grant components.
• Supervise research scientists and other grant-based staff.
• Develop methods using complex chemistry instrumentation, such as the GC/MS, LC/MS, ICP/MS, RT-PCR, ELISA, and WGS.
• Organize and analyze project data.
• Monitor progress and report results for research projects.
• Act as the Principal Investigator for laboratory-based grants.
• Develop and review research proposals and reports for customers or publications.
• Prepare and present information in public forums, scientific meetings and conferences.
• Utilize a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry.
• Ensure that quality policies and procedures are followed and maintain records of all quality activities as documented in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and test methods.
• Handle samples and perform analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment according to SOPs.
• Report deficiencies or malfunctions to the Assistant Director of Laboratories.
• Identify and record Corrective Actions, Preventive Actions, Risks, and Improvements.
• Improve laboratory and/or quality activities on a continuous basis.
• Prepare official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Attend meetings that may require overnight travel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Laboratory/office environment. Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time; frequently bend, squat, reach above shoulder level, push, pull and handle objects and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. May require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals, and hot surfaces capable of burns. Warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment is supplied and required for laboratory staff. Exposure to unpleasant odors may occur.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bacteriology and microbiology.
• Skilled in manipulative techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• Skilled in the use of operation, calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment commonly used in analytical laboratories.
• Seasoned in both verbal and written communications.
• Advanced ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, formulas, and charts.
• Seasoned ability to prepare analytical reports, organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.
• Expert ability to do original research and devise new methods of testing.
• Advanced ability in the knowledge to operate technical laboratory platforms such as ICP/MS, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS, PCR and ELISA.
• Advanced ability to operate general laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, hotplates, centrifuges, and water baths.
• Proficient in the use of general office equipment, Microsoft Office and laboratory-related software.
• Ability to write grants and develop grant budgets.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience: Five years of paid work experience with ICP/MS, LC/MS, GC/MS, RT-PCR, or WGS required. Experience in grant writing and management preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

 

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.