Temporary Research Technician II

Department:

Location:

Health Sciences Center

Time Type:

Full time

Worker Type:

Temporary (Fixed Term)

Job Req ID:

R108371

Minimum Requirements:

Six (6) or more years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Position Description:

The Department of  Envirome Institute / Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Louisville is seeking a highly motivated Temporary Research Technician to assist in wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) efforts in support of local, regional, and commonwealth public health efforts.

This position includes coordinating with several supporting entities / laboratories to ensure prompt sample preparation and analysis on a regular weekly basis. Specific tasks include sample preparation and direct laboratory and data analysis to detect specific pathogens of interest in a qualitative and quantitative manner.

This is a grant funded position with continued employment contingent on grant renewals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare environmental and / or laboratory samples for nucleic acid analysis on a regular recurring weekly schedule.

• Use nucleic acid analyses, including reverse-transcription, qRT-PCR, amplicon sequencing, and other next-generation sequencing technologies / data processing to support wastewater-based epidemiology efforts.

• Use internal and external controls to monitor assay sensitivity and specificity and troubleshoot existing assays if needed.

• In conjunction with project leadership, develop new or alternative detection strategies for pathogens of interest using primary literature.

• Manage sample and resource inventories using laboratory inventory platforms.

• Assist in the preparation of data for reports, publication, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in a relevant field.

• Experience in the molecular detection and analysis of pathogens, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), and molecular epidemiology.

• Strong understanding and working knowledge of molecular laboratory techniques, including modern nucleic acid analyses.

• Strong passion for science, excel in collaborative environments, and demonstrate outstanding communication and writing abilities.

Competencies

• Basic biology, microbiology or molecular biology techniques, including specifically but not limited to nucleic acid extraction and handling, revers transcription, PCR-based, and next-generation sequencing analyses.

• A working understanding of DNA and RNA biology.

• Data interpretation and analysis, oral and written communication skills, basic project / sample management, analytical skills, critical thinking, work ethics, excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in the team.

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of the University that no employee or applicant for employment be subject to unlawful discrimination in terms of recruitment, hiring, promotion, contract, contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions. No employee or applicant for employment is required to endorse or condemn a specific ideology, political viewpoint, or social viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, or promotion.

Consistent with applicable law, demographic information is collected for aggregate reporting requirements. Demographic information provided through this application is not available to hiring managers/committees and is not considered in hiring or employment decisions.

Assistance and Accommodations

Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 215 Central Avenue, Ste 205 - Louisville, Kentucky 40208.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, please contact us by email at employment@louisville.edu or by phone 502-852-6258.