Available Title(s):
1161-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant

Business Title:
Scientific Assistant

Employee Type:
Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Time Type:
Full time

Position Term:
12 Month

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:
The Scientific Assistant provides experienced assistance for the CDC Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) grant-funded partnership with WA PHL "Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence" (PGCoE) by assisting the Scientific Laboratory Manager, current Scientific Assistant, and the Principal Investigators of the project within the Molecular Diagnostics section of WADDL.

Duties include: networking with PHL partners; assisting with the validation of PGCoE-developed pathogen surveillance paradigm, molecular and bioinformatic methods implemented into WADDL; participation in PHL led training events; development and maintenance of campus-based, WADDL-owned high-performance computing environment; curation of project next-generation sequencing (NGS) data; development of SOPs for NGS; analyzing experimental results and participating in preparing scientific information for publication. Adheres to standard operating procedures (SOP) and protocols, conducts molecular diagnostics tests as required and participating in molecular diagnostics research and development efforts. Eligibility and understanding of BSL-2 laboratory safety guidelines and work environment is required.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master's degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.
  
• Physical eligibility required for working in BSL-2 and environments. See the following link for more information. Physical Eligibility Requirement
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

1. At least 20 semester or 30 quarter credit hours in microbiology at the college level.
2. Masters degree in Molecular Biosciences or Computational Biology field.
3. One year laboratory experience
4. Experimental and analytical skills; understanding and knowledge of research theory.
5. Excellent organizational and project management skills.
6. Demonstrated skills and knowledge in:
a. isolation of DNA and RNA from tissue and body fluids/samples
b. quality and quantity evaluation of extracted nucleic acids using capillary electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and fluorimetry
c. use of PCR in identification of microbial agents
d. library preparation and sample multiplexing for Next Generation Sequencing, using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies
7. Demonstrated knowledge of Next-generation Sequencing Bioinformatics and a fundamental understanding of command line computing
8. Familiarity with data visualization software and one or more of the following coding languages: Python, R, BASH, perl.
9. Demonstrated knowledge of infectious diseases and experience working with zoonotic agents in appropriate biosafety levels.

10. Demonstrated computer skills, including MS Office suite.
11. Excellent oral and written communications skills.
12. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Additional Information:

Area/College: College of Veterinary Medicine
Department Name: WADDL (Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory)
City, State, Zip: Pullman, WA 99164
Department Link: Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory | Washington State University (wsu.edu)
Monthly Salary: $3,750.00 - $5, 400.00 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU's Administrative Professional Compensation. WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.
Overtime Eligibility: yes
FTE: 100

Permanent/Temporary/Project: Project
Temporary End Date: This is a project position expected to end on September, 30, 2024. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.
Posting Close Date: This recruitment has been extended to close by Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application.

Required Documents:

• Resume
  
• Cover Letter

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

To apply, visit https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/job/Pullman-WA/Scientific-Assistant_R-9286

Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer.

jeid-94e65e69be4b464f80b7c0c8ffcf4290