Job Title:  Infectious Research Scientist

Division:  Regulatory and Environmental Affairs

Headquarters:  Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, WV

Reports To:  Assistant Director, Laboratory Services

Supervisory Responsibility:  None

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Nature of Work:

The Infectious Research Scientist 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.
• Plan and conduct experiments; analyzes results of experiments and provides conclusions.
• Organize, analyze data, and monitor the progress during the course of the research projects.
• Develop and review research proposals including reports for customers or publications, if applicable.
• Develop and review research grant applications; conducts detailed technical work, and manages all aspects of grants and proposals, including reporting.
• Design and implement research projects in the laboratory.
• Perform related work in the maintenance of a quality assurance program for the laboratories.
• Provide 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.
• Train and supervise research personnel, ensures staff are trained in current methodology and safety procedures in the laboratory.
• Prepare and present data for publication in scientific meetings and conferences.
• Stay current with the literature and regularly lead discussions of new reports pertinent to ongoing and proposed projects in regularly scheduled onsite laboratory meetings.
• Prepare official reports and may be called upon to testify before the court or the Commissioner.
• Utilize a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for data entry and other computer operations.
• Write SOPs and test methods; handles samples and performs analyses according to SOPs and test methods.
• Sign reports as the department representative when delegated signature authority.
• Maintains and calibrates equipment; reports deficiencies or malfunctions to management.
• Identify and record nonconformities on Corrective Action Requests; identifies and records potential nonconformities on Preventive Action Requests; takes corrective action.
• Develop and maintain quality assurance measures to assure that analytical standards are being met; promotes and practices continuous improvement philosophy in laboratory and/or quality activities.
• Develop methods consistent with the laboratories’ equipment for analyses of food, milk, milk products, environmental, water, cultures, and animal tissue samples.
• Perform standard bacteriological, chemical, and related tests and observations in accordance with scientific principles and techniques.
• Report questionable findings.
• Analyze and interpret 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 maintain records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods.
• Acts as a Subject Matter Expert when reviewing new or revised methods.
• Prepare in-house proficiency check samples, when necessary, for other laboratory staff.
• Provide professional advice and guidance in new or revised existing laboratory methods.
• Perform duties as Technical Lead and/or Biosafety Officer as required.
• 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:

• Extensive knowledge of the source materials in the field of bacteriology and chemistry.

• Knowledgeable of all detection methods associated with the laboratory.
• Knowledge of composition and significant properties of materials and substances used or tested by the laboratory.
• Knowledge of the duties and requirements to fulfill the role of a Biosafety Officer.
• Knowledge of Federal Select Agent Regulations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bacteriology, and related microbiology.
• Comprehensive skills in the use of laboratory instruments and equipment commonly used in analytical laboratories.
• Skilled at maintaining, diagnosing, and calibrating lab equipment.
• Skilled in public speaking.
• Skilled at grant writing, monitoring, and management.
• Advanced skills in manipulative techniques and in following standard scientific laboratory methods.
• 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.
• Trained in detection technologies including complex instrumentation.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, chemistry, or a related science.

Experience:

Five years of full-time paid employment carrying out technical work related to microbiological analyses in a laboratory.

Substitutions:

None

Licenses/ Certifications: