Research Engineering/Scientist Associate II

$52,000 - $52,000/Yr

The University of Texas System - Austin, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Austin, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Engineering/Scientist Associate II position at the Center for Biomedical Research Support involves critical responsibilities in a CLIA certified laboratory, primarily focusing on high-throughput molecular testing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The role is integral to the University of Texas's proactive community testing program, where the selected candidate will be tasked with transporting, preparing, and processing samples using RT-qPCR techniques. This position is expected to continue until August 31, 2021, and requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, including weekend work, with two consecutive days off during the week. In this role, the individual will disinfect and transport specimens collected in virus-inactivating media, ensuring compliance with all standard operating procedures and CLIA guidelines. The candidate will perform RNA extractions from respiratory and saliva specimens, set up PCR for RT-qPCR testing, and maintain up-to-date procedure manuals for testing personnel. The position also requires the use of various Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to track and analyze clinical testing runs, while adjusting and prioritizing work to maximize productivity. Teamwork is essential, as the candidate will assist peers and management with various tasks and participate in training new hires. The work environment is fast-paced and high-throughput, necessitating comfort with handling clinical samples that may be infectious. The candidate must adhere to safety standards and utilize personal protective equipment provided by the employer. The position offers a salary starting at $52,000, with the expectation of reliable attendance and flexibility to work extra hours when required.

Responsibilities

• Disinfect and transport specimens collected in virus-inactivating media for detection of SARS-CoV-2.
• Execute standard operating procedures with precision and in compliance with all CLIA guidelines and regulations.
• Perform RNA extractions from respiratory and/or saliva specimens collected in virus-inactivating media and perform PCR setups for RT-qPCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards and enforce policies and procedures.
• Ensure procedure manuals are up to date and available to testing personnel for all assays and procedures in the station.
• Ensure reagents are properly labeled, stored, and QC'd appropriately before placed in use.
• Use various LIMS to track, analyze, and result clinical testing runs.
• Adjust, prioritize, and organize work to achieve maximum productivity.
• Assist peers and management with other tasks after completion of assigned work, operating as an effective member of a team.
• Participate in training and educating new hires and fellow staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology or related field.
• Comfortable handling 96 and 384 well plates and multi-channel pipettors.
• Experience working in a fast-paced high throughput lab environment.
• Ability to work with potentially infectious clinical samples (COVID-19) with appropriate PPE.

Nice-to-haves

• 1-2 years of previous clinical lab experience.
• Ability to work independently and follow SOP instructions precisely.
• Familiarity with CLIA regulations, documentation, and procedures.
• Familiarity with RT-qPCR and ability to interpret results and troubleshoot.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as listening skills.
• Works well in a team environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changes.
• Reliable attendance and extra hours when required.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Retirement plan eligibility through Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid time off for weekends with two consecutive days off during the week
• Personal protective equipment provided by employer