Research Assistant - Biologist

Posting Number:

PG193231EP

Internal Recruitment :

No

Working Title:

Research Assistant - Biologist

Anticipated Hiring Range:

Commensurate with Experience ($53,000 - $55,000)

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday / 40 hours/week

Job Location:

Beltsville/Laurel, MD

Department :

ntegrated Pest Mgmt-Research

About the Department:

The Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) was established in 1991 to serve a lead role in technology development, program implementation, training, and public awareness for IPM at the state, regional, and national level. CIPM fosters the development and implementation of pest management programs. CIPM works to support and further Integrated Pest Management through the evaluation of emerging technologies, information management and dissemination, environmental stewardship, estimation of economic consequences, resistance management tools and systems, and integration of disciplinary expertise. The Center manages grants programs for the USDA, develops regional and national priorities through workshops and stakeholder meetings, and develops and maintains large databases and database applications for USDA, EPA, and Ministries of Agriculture in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.

Essential Job Duties:

CIPM is looking to hire a Research Assistant to support the Cooperative agreement with the APHIS PPQ S&T Plant Pathogen Diagnostic Certification Program (PPDCP). The PPDCP certifies diagnosticians for detection and identification of regulated plant pests that threaten U.S. agriculture. The program develops reference plant and nucleic acid material to evaluate competency of the diagnosticians via proficiency testing (PT), provides training and supports diagnostic methods validation processes. Program activities are part of the Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostic Laboratory (PPCDL) functions. The program labs are located in Beltsville and Laurel, MD.
The incumbent will work under a Project Leader to support the Proficiency Testing Team in the development, production and validation of PT panels and diagnostic controls for regulated plant pests/pathogens. Specifically, the incumbent will:

• Produce plant material and DNA samples
• Conduct molecular and serological testing of this material to determine stability and homogeneity
• Assemble PT panels and control sets
• Participate in scheduled distribution
• Collect and process tissue
• Prepare culture media and buffers
• Perform general laboratory maintenance tasks
• Track supply inventory and make purchase requests
• Operate and maintain specialized equipment such as thermocyclers, ELISA readers, tissue grinders, freeze-dryers, etc.
• Record lab activities and test results in official laboratory notebooks
• Enter and maintain extensive data set into computer programs (shared folders)
• Analyze data and generate reports
• May assist with writing work instructions, organizing and maintaining participant certification records, and participant communications.
• May also maintain plants in the greenhouse and/or fungal/bacterial cultures or other material and reagents inventories as assigned

The incumbent will perform all activities with adherence to the PPCDL Quality Management System (QMS) and approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Complete all required technical, EEO and work safety training.

The position is based at the PPCDL in Beltsville/Laurel, MD.Minimum Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology or other relevant disciplines

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology or other relevant disciplines, with at least 3 years’ experience supporting relevant work.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Documented experience in molecular biology of microorganisms; genomic or plant DNA/RNA extraction; conventional and real-time PCR and Reverse Transcription-PCR analysis; gel electrophoresis; data management.
• Attention to details, good time management and record keeping, and excellent technical skills
• Understanding of good laboratory practices (GLP) and quality management system (QMS) principles.
• Ability to plan and follow planned activities independently.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Good written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with plant pathogens

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required:

No

Commercial Driver's License required:

No

Job Open Date:

02/16/2024

Anticipated Close Date:

Open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicant required document: Cover Letter, CV, Contact Information for References
Incumbent must be a US citizenship or permanent residency for this position.

Position Number:

00110666

Position Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week):

1.00

Appointment:

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather:

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events:

Mandatory - Medical Emergencies

Department ID:

113810 - Integrated Pest Mgmt-Research

AA/EEO:

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.