• Job Description

  Req#: R-083579

  Job Title

  Research Scientist

  Agency

  Texas A&M University

  Department

  Global Health Research Complex

  Proposed Minimum Salary

  Commensurate

  Job Location

  College Station, Texas

  Job Type

  Staff

  Job Description

  Our Commitment

  Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

  Who We Are

  Our Commitment Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

  What We Want
  Incumbent will be responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing infectious disease research projects related to African Swine Fever Virus in conjunction with USDA-ARS. Conducts cell culture and comprehensive bench work which includes all aspects of agent propagation, purification, and preparation for animal challenge experiments. Collects, processes, and analyzes samples obtained from experimental animals for immunology response parameters and agent detection. Provides technical research support and knowledge to principal investigators and researchers using the GHRC facility. Prepares research data reports as required for projects and publications. Develops scientific manuscripts for publication for independent research projects. May submit requests for funding (grants).

  What You Need To Know

  Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.

  A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

  Qualifications
  Required Education and Experience

  • PhD in virology, microbiology, molecular biology or in a closely related field

  • Six or more years of experience in a BSL-3 and/or BSL-3Ag setting

  Required Licenses and Certifications:

  • Must be able to obtain Federal Select Agent Program clearance

  Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Advanced knowledge and ability in virology, molecular biology, and cell culture techniques.

  • Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures including biosafety and hazardous materials.

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and able to operate across platforms and software packages.

  • Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment associated with biological sciences.

  • Ability to work independently and work cooperatively with others.

  • Ability to analyze data and written materials and give verbal and written recommendations.

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior or current participation in the Federal Select Agent Program.

  • Experience working with livestock and/or wildlife species as large animal research models.

  • Demonstrated experience working with viral pathogens classified at BSL-3.

  • Prior experience working with African Swine Fever Virus.

  • Prior experience working at BSL-3.

  • Prior experience working with livestock at BSL3-Ag.
    

  Responsibilities

  • Bench Work- Conduct cell culture and comprehensive virology bench work including all aspects of virus propagation and culture, purification and preparation for animal challenge experiments. Process and analyze samples obtained from experimental animals for immunology response parameters and virus detection. Responsible for performing experiments, compiling, and analyzing data obtained. Assist other members in the lab to successfully execute their research projects.

  • Laboratory Support- Assists with coordinating the daily operational activities of the BSL-3 laboratories to maintain a safe, compliant and operational lab environment. Ensures proper storage and handling of biological materials, as well as and disposal of laboratory waste, including autoclaving materials for removal from biohazard areas, carcass disposal, and laundry. Assists with the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and development of procedures for the use of laboratory instrumentation. Ensures adherence to lab standards and practices to maximize safety and operational effectiveness.

  • Record Keeping- Maintain all select Agent Program Inventory, records and compliance information associated with the projects.

  
  Other Requirements and Factors

  • Participation in the Biological Select Agent and Toxin Program is required.

  • Must be able to undergo favorable background investigation and National Select Agent Registration security risk assessment within 2 months of hire.

  • Ability to maintain a final US Government security clearance is required.

  • The job has the potential for safety hazard exposures and infectious disease exposures.

  • Requires the ability to work sometimes under challenging conditions (high humidity/temperature, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise).

  • Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Medical evaluation is required at least annually, and full participation in a medical clearance program is required, which includes blood testing and possibly vaccinations.

  • May be required to work weekends, holidays, or after normal working hours (5:00 PM).

  • This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

  • This position is security sensitive.

  • This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures.

  • All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements.

  Why Texas A&M University?

  We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

  • Health , dental , vision , life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

  • 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

  • Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

  • Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

  • Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

  • Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

  • Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

  Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

  All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

  Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

• About the company

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