Research Specialist I – Wan Lab

Job Description

A Research Specialist I is available at the Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory, University of Missouri (MU) (http://sysbio.missouri.edu). The Wan Lab research focuses on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, especially influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, by developing and applying integrated based approaches that combine laboratory, clinical and computational methods. This position is created to implement and facilitate productivities for research projects to study molecular mechanisms of virus transmission, pathogenesis, and immunological responses for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

Key Responsibilities
•Generate and maintain cell mutants using CRISPRa or other techniques;
•Express and purify recombinant proteins using both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems;
•Set up and perform methods or assays to accomplish scientific objectives, and the routine example assays such as but not limited to serological assays (e.g. hemagglutination inhibition, ELISA, and neutralization), ELISpot, virus propagation and purification, virus titration, cell culture, RNA extraction, PCR/qRT-PCR, and western blotting;
•Assist animal experiments using various animal models such as mice, hamster, ferret, swine, and avian models;
•Design, develop and test new equipment, instruments, reagents, and/or experimental protocols for research (including hardware, software, statistical methods, etc.);
•Organize, interpret data, and summarize results;
•Identify and implement creative solutions to overcome problems;
•Collaborate with internal and external investigators on multiple research projects ensuring scientific significance and feasibility;
•Train student and research staff to achieve research goals;
•Check laboratory notebook routinely and identify problems in data records;
•Serve as a resource to provide scientific information needed for various initiatives.
•Contribute to teaching activities by preparing and presenting educational seminars.
•Assist with grant/contract preparation.

Note: Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned that are project and/or discipline specific

Work Environment
The BSL-2, ABSL-2, BSL-3, or ABSL-3 laboratory environment.

Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills : leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to the university values.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

Salary

$15.75- $26.11/hour

Grade: GGS 7

University Title: Research Specialist I

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Shift

Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. But occasionally the job may require working in the evening or the weekend.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

This candidate shall have at least a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Virology, Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Medicine, Biological Sciences, or related field.

Prior research experience in infectious diseases are the minimum.

Physical Requirements
Must have: 1) the ability to lift 25 pounds regularly; and 2) the ability to work while wearing lab PPE, including N95 masks.

Prior experience in cell culture is preferred.

Application Materials

CV/Resume, Evidence of Prior Lab Procedures Successfully Completed, Portfolio, references

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

Know Your Rights

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• Know Your Rights English Version
• Know Your Rights Spanish Version

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