Wet Lab Specialist

Position Summary:

As a DPH wet lab specialist, you will play a crucial role in public health by contributing to the detection and surveillance of infectious microorganisms. Your expertise in laboratory techniques and quality assurance will be instrumental in supporting our mission to protect the local community from health risks. Your primary responsibility will be to set up and perform routine testing of various molecular assays and genomic sequencing (i.e., RNA/DNA extractions, DNA amplification, nucleic acid quantifications, library preparation, etc.). In addition, you will also be involved in the research and development of new molecular assays for the detection, quantification, and characterization of specific pathogens using state-of-the-art systems and techniques. These responsibilities are pivotal for identifying potential agents of infectious disease and monitoring public health response efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Laboratory Testing and Analysis: Conduct routine wet lab molecular assays and experiments including but not limited to ddPCR, RT-PCR, and library preparation for Next-Gen sequencing to identify and characterize infectious agents, pathogens, and other health-related markers.
2. Assist in assay design and optimization: Evaluate and implement cutting edge molecular assays and methodologies to enhance testing capabilities for the detection of various agents. Optimize reaction conditions, primer/probe sequences, and assay parameters to achieve maximum sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Conduct rigorous validation studies to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of developed assays. Follow established guidelines and regulatory requirements to meet the standards for testing. Assist in developing and writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in coordination with the lab supervisor.
3. Sample Processing: Ensure accurate and efficient handling of biological and environmental samples (including wastewater), adhering to proper biosafety protocols, and maintaining sample integrity throughout the testing process.
4. Quality Assurance: Adhere to and perform stringent quality control measures to guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of laboratory results. Adhere to standardized operating procedures and regulatory guidelines to meet the highest quality standards. Record experimental data meticulously and maintain comprehensive laboratory notebooks. Utilize laboratory information systems and data analysis tools to process, analyze, and interpret results effectively. Assist in calibrations of equipment.
5. Instrumentation, Equipment, and Inventory: Operate and maintain various laboratory instruments and equipment, ensuring they are calibrated and functioning optimally. Troubleshoot technical issues and coordinate with the relevant teams for repairs and maintenance. Responsible for maintaining a current inventory of reagents, supplies, and consumables and their corresponding documentation. Provide training to laboratory personnel.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate and work with fellow scientists and laboratory technicians within other departments to ensure seamless public health testing functionality and successful outcomes.

Skills Required:

• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in assay development, optimization, and validation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Knowledge of public health principles and microbiology is advantageous.
• Effective communication abilities.

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Molecular Biology or Microbiology with 2-3 years’ post-graduate experience in the same field. Management experience is highly preferred.

Physical Demands:

The ability to perform the functions of the job.

Essential Functions:

Perform routine molecular testing of biological and environmental samples (wastewater) using established protocols. Validation and bring on board new molecular assays for the detection and surveillance of novel pathogens.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the law.