Scientific Assistant

Title:

1161-YN - Scientific Assistant

Business Title:

Scientific Assistant

Location:

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Job Family:

Administrative Professional - OT Eligible

Position Details:

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

In accordance with Washington State Governor’s Proclamation 21-14.1, as a condition of employment, all WSU employees must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation no later than October 18, 2021. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their last shot in a vaccine series. Vaccine or an approved accommodation for new employees will be verified no later than October 18, 2021. If the effective date of appointment is October 18, 2021 or later vaccine or approved accommodation status will be verified prior to first day of employment. Please reach out to Human Resource Services (HRS) at [email protected] or 509-335-4521 if you have questions regarding this.

Summary of Duties:

This position will perform professional-level work in a multidisciplinary laboratory in support of the research activities in the study of urban pollution and environmental toxicology, requiring advanced knowledge of aquatic toxicity. The incumbent will perform a wide range of duties including performing complex investigative procedures; collecting, processing, and analyzing data; and assisting in preparing graphics and reports. The skills expected to successfully perform these duties include basic and advanced molecular biology laboratory skills, organizational skills to plan and coordinate field sampling projects, animal handling skills (including animal husbandry), and biological sample collection. 
 
The Scientific Assistant will be required to conduct a range of biological techniques and molecular genetic techniques (e.g., DNA and RNA extraction and isolation, PCR, and real-time PCR, sequencing) to prepare and collect data. 
 
Performs data analysis and experimental design in consultation with the PI; assists others in the laboratory as needed, conducts general laboratory maintenance, and records data. 
 
The person hired must keep exact, detailed records of experimental data and protocols and interpret/document findings through spreadsheets, graphs, and reports using computers, software and statistical packages. In addition, they will operate, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment.

Scientific Research (55%)

• Independently performs complex research activities, investigative procedures, and data analysis according to standard and specified procedures for stormwater-related research. 

• Duties include husbandry of zebrafish and toxicology testing using multiple animal models (including zebrafish, coho salmon, and daphnids). 

• Participate in the development and design of research projects, protocols, and experiments in consultation with the PI. Consult and collaborate with faculty to analyze, evaluate, and troubleshoot current methodologies and research protocols, techniques, and procedures and develop, modify, adapt, and implement new methodologies and technologies to benefit their research and/or fit research project goals. 

• Learns new/additional research techniques and problem solves as needed for the advancement of the laboratory and research activities. 

• Zebrafish exposures to include qPCR and antibody staining methods.

Data Collection and Analysis (35%)

• Collects, processes, and evaluates laboratory data to accomplish research goals and assists in preparing graphics and reports. Analyzes initial output from equipment in lab and presents it in a usable manner to faculty, technical staff, and students. Maintains detailed laboratory records and scientific data, and assists in interpretation of data. 

• Performs all aspects of DNA analysis techniques including extracting, purifying, storing, amplifying, visualizing, and quantifying DNA for a variety of research applications. 

• In collaboration with PI, prepares written reports/articles/presentations, including detailing new or modified methodologies used in research.

General Laboratory Administration (5%)

• Manages daily operation of specialized equipment in laboratory. Leads undergraduate student workers, interns, grad students, postdocs, and/or temporary/hourly employees as needed to maintain proper laboratory protocols and oversees and ensures quality control methods; Trains, advises, and leads students and other technical personnel with regards to animal husbandry and experimental protocols.
  Leads daily health checks of zebrafish colony (includes daily feeding).

Other duties as assigned (5%)

• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess, or be able to obtain at time of hire, a valid, unrestricted driver’s license. 

• This position will require excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and with a diverse team of faculty, staff and students. 

• Excellent communication skills and professionalism. 

• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with zebrafish in a research setting including setting up spawns, exposing embryos, dechorionating embryos, imaging with stereomicroscope and digital camera, qPCR including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and TaqMan or similar operation.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

CAHNRS

Department Name:

WSU Puyallup REC/School of the Environment

City, State, Zip:

Puyallup, WA 98371

Department Link:

https://puyallup.wsu.edu/  

Monthly Salary:

Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

FTE:

100%

Permanent/Temporary/Project:

Temporary

Temporary End Date:

This is a temporary position expected to end on November 30, 2022. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Screening Begin Date:

November 1, 2021

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check.

Applicant Instructions:

Applicants must attach the following documents to their online application: 1) resume and 2) cover letter. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements. Applicants are required to include contact information for professional references within the application.

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .

Title:

1161-YN - Scientific Assistant

Business Title:

Scientific Assistant

Location:

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Job Family:

Administrative Professional - OT Eligible

Position Details:

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

In accordance with Washington State Governor’s Proclamation 21-14.1, as a condition of employment, all WSU employees must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation no later than October 18, 2021. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their last shot in a vaccine series. Vaccine or an approved accommodation for new employees will be verified no later than October 18, 2021. If the effective date of appointment is October 18, 2021 or later vaccine or approved accommodation status will be verified prior to first day of employment. Please reach out to Human Resource Services (HRS) at [email protected] or 509-335-4521 if you have questions regarding this.

Summary of Duties:

This position will perform professional-level work in a multidisciplinary laboratory in support of the research activities in the study of urban pollution and environmental toxicology, requiring advanced knowledge of aquatic toxicity. The incumbent will perform a wide range of duties including performing complex investigative procedures; collecting, processing, and analyzing data; and assisting in preparing graphics and reports. The skills expected to successfully perform these duties include basic and advanced molecular biology laboratory skills, organizational skills to plan and coordinate field sampling projects, animal handling skills (including animal husbandry), and biological sample collection. 
 
The Scientific Assistant will be required to conduct a range of biological techniques and molecular genetic techniques (e.g., DNA and RNA extraction and isolation, PCR, and real-time PCR, sequencing) to prepare and collect data. 
 
Performs data analysis and experimental design in consultation with the PI; assists others in the laboratory as needed, conducts general laboratory maintenance, and records data. 
 
The person hired must keep exact, detailed records of experimental data and protocols and interpret/document findings through spreadsheets, graphs, and reports using computers, software and statistical packages. In addition, they will operate, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment.

Scientific Research (55%)

• Independently performs complex research activities, investigative procedures, and data analysis according to standard and specified procedures for stormwater-related research. 

• Duties include husbandry of zebrafish and toxicology testing using multiple animal models (including zebrafish, coho salmon, and daphnids). 

• Participate in the development and design of research projects, protocols, and experiments in consultation with the PI. Consult and collaborate with faculty to analyze, evaluate, and troubleshoot current methodologies and research protocols, techniques, and procedures and develop, modify, adapt, and implement new methodologies and technologies to benefit their research and/or fit research project goals. 

• Learns new/additional research techniques and problem solves as needed for the advancement of the laboratory and research activities. 

• Zebrafish exposures to include qPCR and antibody staining methods.

Data Collection and Analysis (35%)

• Collects, processes, and evaluates laboratory data to accomplish research goals and assists in preparing graphics and reports. Analyzes initial output from equipment in lab and presents it in a usable manner to faculty, technical staff, and students. Maintains detailed laboratory records and scientific data, and assists in interpretation of data. 

• Performs all aspects of DNA analysis techniques including extracting, purifying, storing, amplifying, visualizing, and quantifying DNA for a variety of research applications. 

• In collaboration with PI, prepares written reports/articles/presentations, including detailing new or modified methodologies used in research.

General Laboratory Administration (5%)

• Manages daily operation of specialized equipment in laboratory. Leads undergraduate student workers, interns, grad students, postdocs, and/or temporary/hourly employees as needed to maintain proper laboratory protocols and oversees and ensures quality control methods; Trains, advises, and leads students and other technical personnel with regards to animal husbandry and experimental protocols.
  Leads daily health checks of zebrafish colony (includes daily feeding).

Other duties as assigned (5%)

• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess, or be able to obtain at time of hire, a valid, unrestricted driver’s license. 

• This position will require excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and with a diverse team of faculty, staff and students. 

• Excellent communication skills and professionalism. 

• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with zebrafish in a research setting including setting up spawns, exposing embryos, dechorionating embryos, imaging with stereomicroscope and digital camera, qPCR including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and TaqMan or similar operation.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

CAHNRS

Department Name:

WSU Puyallup REC/School of the Environment

City, State, Zip:

Puyallup, WA 98371

Department Link:

https://puyallup.wsu.edu/  

Monthly Salary:

Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

FTE:

100%

Permanent/Temporary/Project:

Temporary

Temporary End Date:

This is a temporary position expected to end on November 30, 2022. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Screening Begin Date:

November 1, 2021

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check.

Applicant Instructions:

Applicants must attach the following documents to their online application: 1) resume and 2) cover letter. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements. Applicants are required to include contact information for professional references within the application.

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .