Research Assistant presso Heluna Health

SUMMARY

The VRDL seeks candidates to immediately begin work to respond to current public health needs supporting testing and surveillance for rickettsial and viral diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, and viral vector borne and zoonotic diseases. The successful candidate will perform important laboratory duties including, but not limited to, specimen check-in, accessioning, and processing; performing quality control checks on equipment; preparing media and reagents; autoclaving used lab items; autoclaving laboratory waste and preparing for its disposal; preparing glassware for lab use; monitoring equipment to assist with quality control; and record keeping. Maintaining an organized, neat, and clean work environment, working well in a team environment, and being organized and detail-oriented are essential. Proof of vaccination may be required for some tasks.

Must submit a resume with the application.

The hourly range for this position is $23.42 to $29.30 per hour commensurate with experience and qualifications.

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation)..

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Properly check specimen in according to laboratory protocol.
• Process incoming specimen based on individual section needs.
• Store processed specimen for testing and shipping.
• Assist with specimen accessioning as needed.
• Maintain QA and QC records for the laboratory when necessary.
• Organize and maintain archive repositories for different sample types.
• Autoclave laboratory materials containing potentially infectious agents; dispose of these materials following autoclaving/decontamination procedures.
• Operate autoclaves to sterilize lab materials as needed.
• Ensure glassware is cleaned and sterile for use in the lab sections. Distribute sterilized glassware to common areas.
• Prepare reagents and media for use in diagnostic testing.
• Use Microsoft Word suite programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access Databases when needed.
• Other duties as necessary in the laboratory or office when deemed necessary.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Attention to detail and application of laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to learn and apply concepts to the job at hand.
• Familiarity with:
  • Laboratories, sterile technique, and microbiological concepts
  • Standard precautions for working with potential infectious clinical specimens

Education/Experience

• Prefer candidates with some college course work in a laboratory science such as chemistry, microbiology and/or molecular biology.
• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, with course work in chemistry, microbiology, and/or molecular biology is preferred, but not required.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• None required

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings.
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand                                              Frequently
• Walk                                               Frequently
• Sit                                                   Frequently
• Handling / Fingering                     Occasionally
• Reach Outward                              Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder                  Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend             Occasionally
• Lift / Carry                                     Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs
• Push/Pull                                       Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• See                                                Constantly
• Taste/ Smell                                   Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable                              Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally                                  (0 - 2 hrs/day)
• Frequently                                     (2 - 5 hrs/day)
• Constantly                                     (5+ hrs/day) 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.