Job Title:                  Infectious Research Scientist

Division:                  Regulatory & Environmental Affairs Division

Headquarters:         Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, WV

FLSA Status:           Exempt

Salary Range:         $40,000 - $50,000

 OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Nature of Work:  This position is responsible for administrative and professional level scientific research and analysis associated with the activities of the Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division.

Examples of Work:

• Provides vision and direction for research activities within a broad range of disciplines, i.e. microbiology, chemistry, molecular, and genomics.
• Plans and conducts experiments; analyzes results of experiments and provides conclusions.
• Organizes, analyzes data and monitors the progress during the course of the research projects.
• Develops and reviews research proposals including reports for customers or publications, if applicable.
• Develops and reviews research grant applications; conducts detailed technical work, and manages all aspects of grants and proposals, including reporting.
• Designs and implements research projects in the laboratory.
• Performs related work in the maintenance of a quality assurance program for the laboratories.
• Provides professional advice and guidance regarding analysis involving formulation of a new method or revision of an existing standards method.
• Responsible for data acquisition, data analysis, and presentation of research results.
• Trains and supervises research personnel, ensures staff is trained in current methodology and safety procedures in the laboratory.
• Prepares and presents data for publication in scientific meetings and conferences.
• Stays current with the literature and regularly leads discussions of new reports pertinent to ongoing and proposed projects in regularly scheduled onsite laboratory meetings.
• Prepares official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Utilizes a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and other computer operations.
• Writes SOPs and test methods; handles samples and performs analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Signs reports as the department representative when delegated signature authority.
• Maintains and calibrates equipment; reports deficiencies or malfunctions to management.
• Identifies and records non-conformities on Corrective Action Requests; identifies and records potential non-conformities on Preventive Action Requests; takes corrective action.
• Develops and maintains quality assurance measures to assure that analytical standards are being met; promotes and practices continuous improvement philosophy in laboratory and/or quality activities.
• Develops methods consistent with the laboratories' equipment for analyses of food, milk, milk products, environmental, water, cultures, and animal tissue samples.
• Performs standard bacteriological, chemical and related tests, and observations in accordance with scientific principles and techniques.
• Reports questionable findings to a supervisor.
• Analyzes and interprets test results in order to assist in the administration of laws, regulations, or specifications relating to the chemical and microbiological composition of the products analyzed.
• Accurately maintains records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
• Acts as a Subject Matter Expert when reviewing new or revised methods.
• Prepares in-house proficiency check samples, when necessary, for other laboratory staff.
• Provides professional advice and guidance in new or revised existing laboratory methods.
• Performs duties as Technical Lead and/or Bio-safety Officer as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• 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.
• Employment may require working with pathogenic microorganisms, hazardous chemicals such as disinfectants, acids, bases, mutagens, teratogens, and solvents; hot liquids, steam, and hot solid surfaces capable of burns; and warm, humid conditions can be found in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment must be worn and is supplied to laboratory staff.
• Some jobs require employees to be exposed to unpleasant odors.
• Some overnight travel is required to attend meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bacteriology, and related microbiology.
• Completes training on detection technologies including complex instrumentation.  
• Knowledge of composition and significant properties of materials and substances used or tested by the laboratory.
• Extensive knowledge of the source materials in the field of bacteriology and chemistry.
• Advanced skills in manipulative techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• Comprehensive skills in the use of laboratory instruments and equipment commonly used in analytical laboratories.
• Ability to understand and to follow oral and written instructions, formulas and charts.
• Ability to prepare analytical reports and to organize and present scientific information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to conduct original research and devise new methods of testing.
• Ability to operate an autoclave sterilizer.
• Ability to operate a computer with office and laboratory related software.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Skilled at maintaining, diagnosing and calibrating lab equipment.
• Skilled in public speaking.
• Knowledgeable and authorized by management personnel for use on all detection methods associated with the laboratory.
• Skilled at grant writing, monitoring, and management.
• Knowledge of the duties and requirements to fulfill the role of a Biosafety Officer.
• Knowledge of Federal Select Agent Regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Training:  Bachelors’ degree from an accredited 4-year college or university with at least 24 semester hours in microbiology and physical science courses including a course in microbiology and 16 semester hours in chemistry. Masters’ degree preferred.

Experience: Five years’ experience performing laboratory or technical work related to microbiological analyses.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license.
• 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.