Research Manager, Biobehavioral Health Immunoassay Laboratory - 129869

Job Title:  Research Manager, Biobehavioral Health Immunoassay Laboratory

Job Classification:  Full-time Research Staff

Posting close date: 04/01/2024

Start date of this position:  05/01/2024

Required Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry, or related field, with 2+ years of experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in a laboratory environment. PhD preferred, along with two years of regulated bioassay experience.

The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Experience:   

• Advanced understanding of ligand binding immunoassays and analytical instrumentation for chromogenic ELISA, chemiluminescence, fluorescence and electrochemiluminescence (Mesoscale Discovery) assays.
• Experience in laboratory automation and liquid handling systems.
• Understanding of all routine laboratory procedures.
• Understanding of development/validation of methodology.
• Understanding of wet laboratory workflows and an eye for efficiency and innovation in delivery.
• Ability to interact with clients, and work to objectives/timelines.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain clear and efficient documentation.
• Ability to provide verbally communicated or draft procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, managers, and clients.
• Past experience in a biomedical lab
• Grant writing skills desired, but not required
• Skills in computer programs including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, IBM SPSS, RedCAP, Qualtrics, etc.
• Covid-19 and HEP B vaccine encouraged 

Duties/Expectations: As a Research Lab Manager, you will be responsible for the development of bioanalytical methods to support biobehavioral health research by applying your expertise in ligand binding assays and immunological techniques. This is a full-time 1-year position with the potential of a second year offered after appropriate review and recommendation. Additional appointments beyond the first two years will be based on grant funding.

• You will independently plan, design, and conduct immunological assays including ELISA, multiplex immunoassays (Luminex and Meso Scale Discovery platforms) assays on various scales and for different academic investigators in a research lab environment with minimal supervision.
• Conduct routine management and calibration of lab equipment such as a cell counter, Mesoscale Discovery Instrument, microplate reader, -80-degree freezer, centrifuges, , incubators, and the software that goes along with each of these devices.
• Complete training and carry out the proper management of potentially biohazardous materials (human blood and saliva samples).
• Maintain the wet lab equipment and regulatory documentation in compliance with university standards and polices
• Perform immunoassays for hormones, proteins, and cytokines. 
• Participate in research planning processes. 
• Ensure data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly. Analyze, develop, and interprets scientific results. ensure quality control through supervision of measures of intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation.
• Clearly communicate assay results and recommendations to colleagues and senior management in a timely manner, assisting in project decision-making.
• Participate in the management and transfer of assay data to/from internal and external collaborators.
• Demonstrated ability to train student scientists in ligand binding assays, and bioassays. Support Scientists to troubleshoot, modify and re-optimize current assays.
• Assist the Scientists with lab work scheduling, including assay development, qualification, validation, and research testing.
• Develop methods including sample preparation, ligand binding approaches for the detection and quantitation of immune factors in serum and saliva samples.
• Coordinate application of validated methods to sample analysis.
• Work with management to set work plans, goals, and metrics to build this research laboratory.
• Prepare and present project data and supporting information. Contribute to and review technical reports.
• The successful applicant will be expected to assist in the labs pursuit of external funding for the research program by contributing to research grant writing and generation of preliminary data reports for inclusion in NIH grants. 
• Maintain a detailed awareness of regulatory issues and industry guidance/standards for assay validation and performance and maintain current knowledge of advancing technologies and propose their applications to ongoing projects.
• Participate in scientific meetings and assist in the production of original peer-reviewed publications. Perform research and development activities to support new assay development and assess new technologies or formats.
• Oversee daily management of intra- and inter-organizational relationships to ensure timely completion of projects in accordance with Scientist¿ specification.
• Prepare and make external presentations of Immunoassay capabilities to research collaborators.
• Comply with all applicable regulatory standards, including Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Assist in supervision of undergraduate and graduate students involved in laboratory research: Manage/mentor a team of up to five student scientists.
• Manage compliance records of student scientists participating in research.

As a campus with a commitment to fostering a diverse student body, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply including women, minorities, and individuals with a commitment to mentoring under-represented demographics in the sciences. Interested persons should apply online by completing an application which includes a current CV, cover letter, and statements of research interests. As part of the cover letter, we invite candidates to describe their experiences and plans for engaging a diverse student body in substantial research and mentoring activities. Questions may be directed to: Dr. Sandra E Sephton: [email protected] (1001 KMBL BYU-Department of Psychology Provo, UT 84602, USA). 

Information required at the time of application - Please list the individual contact information for each of your three recommenders on the application. At some point during the selection process, they may be contacted to submit their letters of reference electronically

Document(s) required at the time of application - Please attach your Mission Alignment Statement, updated Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, and statements of research interests to the application.

Mission Alignment Statement: BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrines and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it ¿bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel¿ (Spencer W. Kimball). 

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education (https://aims.byu.edu/).

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Equal Opportunity Employer: m/f/Vets/Disability

BYU is an equal-opportunity employer. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.