Biology Research Specialist- CIPM

North Carolina State University, United States

Updated: about 6 hours ago
Location: Raleigh, NORTH CAROLINA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Job Posting Information


Posting Number PG194094SP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Biology Research Specialist- CIPM
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience ($54,172 - $55,000)
Work Schedule Monday - Friday / 40 hours per week
Job Location Laurel, MD
Department Integrated 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 Biology Research Specialist 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 Laurel, MD.
The incumbent will work under a Project Leader to support any combination of the following functions base on experiences and needs . The incumbent will:
  • Development, production and validation of PT panels and diagnostic controls for regulated plant pests/pathogens.
  • Support Program certification activities and data analysis.


    • 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 controls sets, and participate in scheduled distribution.
    • Collect and process tissue, prepare culture media and buffers.
    • 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.
    • Help with analysis of the PT production and validation data, assist with writing work instructions, assist with auditing laboratory functions by organizing and maintaining participant certification records, and participant communications.
    • Perform general laboratory maintenance tasks.
    • Track supply inventory and make purchase requests.
    • 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 Laurel, MD.
    Other Responsibilities

    Qualifications


    Minimum Experience/Education

    Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
    All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

    Other Required Qualifications
    • 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 or Certification
    N/A
    Valid NC Driver's License required No
    Commercial Driver's License Required? No

    Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions


    Job Open Date 07/01/2024
    Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.) 07/08/2024
    Notice to Applicants
    Special Instructions
    Applicant required documents: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Contact Information for Professional References

    Position Details


    Position Number 00110666
    Position Type SHRA
    Position Classification Band Title Research Specialist
    Position Classification Band Level Contributing
    Position Classification Salary Range $ 45,454 - $ 109,409
    Salary Grade Equivalency GN08
    Alternate Option
    If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
    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
    Time Limited Position No
    Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
    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 [email protected] .
    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.

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