Biological Scientist I

Classification Title:

Biological Scientist I

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related life science field.

Job Description:

Experiments:
• The most critical responsibility is to carry out protocols used in the production and purification of recombinant proteins in bacterial or eukaryotic cells.
• Design new experiments and interpret results independently and in consultation with the PI/Supervisor.
• Carry out research protocols including PCR, molecular cloning, bacterial culture and transformation, bioreactor production, protein expression and purification, Western blot.
• Modify existing and develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes; modify existing and develop new guidelines for procedures.
• Modify existing protocols to improve existing techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures; search scientific literature to select, modify, and develop methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals.
• Modify and develop new laboratory experiments; oversee their execution; and assist in reviewing, approving, or interpreting results.
• Modify existing computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
• Participate in biological research programs for academic collaborators, government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
• Conduct biological research in accordance with stipulated protocols and quality and safety standards.
• Perform scientific experiments for analysis and standardization.
• Analyze datasets for research purposes; evaluate data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.
• Adjust experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis.
• Provides input for technical reports, research papers, scholarly articles, abstracts, or recommendations.
• Consult with researchers and other professionals to conduct appropriate analyses, analyze problems, determine strategies, or recommend solutions.
• Assist in reviewing databanks for new research findings and correlating with laboratory research findings in participating studies.
• Compile data, create or use statistical models for the analysis of data.

Lab Stocking, Maintenance and Record Keeping: 
• Ordering and stocking lab supplies. 
• Ensure equipment is maintained in good working order to avoid down time in conducting experiments.
• Ensure equipment certifications remain up to date.
• Maintain pressurized gases and supercooled liquids.
• Maintain log of reagent stocks.
• Provide routine maintenance on laboratory equipment; verify that equipment and instrumentation are maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results.
• Assist in evaluating new supplies, technologies, and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings for enhancing or complementing research.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records that record research methods, procedures, and results; prepare and maintain research findings, summaries, logs, and notes.
• Assist in testing new and updated tools and software.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.

Lab Coordination:
• Assist in directing, coordinating, and organizing biological laboratory activities.
• Assist in managing laboratory teams and/or monitor the quality of a team’s work; assist in supervising or directing the work of other scientists, technicians, and other workers and evaluating the accuracy of their results; assist in teaching or advising undergraduate or graduate students or supervising their research.
• Assist with instructing undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in methods or procedures.
• Assist with maintain laboratory safety programs and training personnel in laboratory safety techniques.
• Modify laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
• Must be motivated to learn and enjoy working in a team.

Other Duties:
• As assigned

Expected Salary:

$19.25 - $23.25 per hour; commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related life science field.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in biomedical engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Expression and Purification of recombinant proteins. (Desired skills include experience with bacterial culturing, operation of a bioreactor, cell culture, FPLC and/or table-top chromatography, aseptic technique).
• Experience managing a laboratory space.
• Experience managing and analyzing scientific data.
• Cloning and/or gene design (Mainly a focus on cloning on paper).
• Data collection and analysis, absorbance/fluorescence spectrophotometry, flow cytometry.
• Lab organization, including organizing/sanitizing materials and equipment and ordering.
• Teamwork skills include working in highly collaborative environments as well as mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume with application.

This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: Yes