Research Specialist II

The Research Specialist II is responsible for performing and coordinating highly specialized research in biosafety level 2 and level 3 high containment laboratories working with Group 2 (RG2) and 3 (RG3) high consequence pathogens which includes conducting a wide range of molecular, bacterial, viral, toxicological, and immunological assays which include animal model and cell culture technique. This position may require travel to TUCAiTS laboratories located at the Tulane Primate Center in Covington and the School of Medicine in New Orleans as needed and based on research needs.

In addition, the Medical Research Specialist:

• Independently works on assigned laboratory projects in coordination with laboratory supervisory staff and under the direction of the principal investigator (PI).
• Performs and coordinates live animal portions of experimentation.
• Creates and maintains records of experiments performed, observations made during the experiment, and results of the experiment.
• Orders and keeps track of laboratory specimens, supplies, and inventory.
• Contributes to research publications and other development activities.
• Collaborates with the work performance of lab assistants and student researchers, as assigned.
• Ensures OSHA, Biosafety and University medical, safety and training requirements are met for the laboratory

This position requires the work in biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities and performs work on diverse infectious agents, many of which can cause serious disease in humans if standard operating procedures, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment, are not followed. Depending on agent specific risk assessments, individuals may be offered, or in some cases required, to have vaccinations against the relevant agents.

This position has job duties that require accessing the BSL-3 containment areas.  There will be additional minimum requirements including some or all the following:

• Obtain and maintain clearance of a US Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment for access to select biological agents and toxins.
• Pass a medical respiratory physical to wear respiratory protection.
• Participate in and maintain compliance with TNPRC drug and alcohol policy. This is necessary at the time of beginning employment and at any time afterwards. Employment is contingent upon successful compliance with this policy at all times.
• Subject to all State and Federal laws that regulate the use of the BSL-3 laboratories
• Loss of ability to enter the BSL-3 facility for any reason may result in disciplinary actions, up to and including termination. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY: 

•    Strong interpersonal skills: ability to work collaboratively with others; ability to work  
•    as part of a team on project(s) related to biomedical research.
•    Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
•    Ability and willingness to work in high containment (biosafety level 3) laboratory.  
•    environment.
•    Ability to participate in live animal portions of biomedical experimentation.
•    Ability to work with infectious agents, biohazardous tissues, and chemicals in a safe and
•    aseptic manner.
•    Proficiency with common laboratory equipment in a biomedical research laboratory.
•    Strong familiarity with and ability to follow research protocols.  
•    Knowledge of various software programs for both PC and Mac systems.  
•    Ability to perform meticulous laboratory work with careful attention to detail.
•    Willingness to work overtime as needed.
•    Occasional travel to and work at Tulane University School of Medicine 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree and three (3) years of research experience in molecular biology, immunology and/or other microbiology-related disciplines including tissue culture and virus/bacterial cultivation. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

•    Experience with animal studies (rodents and/or nonhuman primates)
•    Experience working in a BSL-3 laboratory environment.
•    Master’s degree in a science and/or public health field