Senior Research Technician/Microbiologist - Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology

The West Virginia University Research Corporation is seeking applications for a Senior Research Technician/Microbiologist for the Vaccine Development Center in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology. This position is responsible for supporting multiple vaccinology-immunology-microbiology-related projects and will use in vitro and in vivo animal models, cell and molecular biology techniques, next-generation sequencing, and highly complex immunological assays to determine vaccine efficacy

The Senior Research Technician will report directly to the Assistant Director of the Vaccine Development Center, as well as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in charge of the current projects. Current projects include gene expression analysis of Bordetella pertuissis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Borrelia burgdorferi and pertussis vaccine development in mouse, rat, and non-human primate animal models.

In order to be successful in this position, the ideal candidate will:

• Manage mouse breeding colonies.
• Conduct Molecular Biology Techniques.
• Conduct vaccinology research.
• Conduct animal challenge experiments.
• Conduct Immunological assays such as ELISA, and Flow Cytometry.
• Support routine laboratory operation, such as preparation of reagents and maintenance of animal colonies, cleaning and organization of the laboratory.
• Assist graduate and undergraduate students.
• Prepare manuscript and data presentations.
• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Biology, or related science field OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience performing related in vitro and in vivo experiments, culturing of bacteria, and cellular and molecular research.
• Skilled in Molecular Biology.
• Skilled in cell culture techniques.
• Skilled in microbiological and immunological techniques.
• Ability to perform vaccine efficacy studies.
• Ability to maintain animal colonies.
• Skilled to use scientific methods and rules to solve problems.
• Skilled at operating laboratory instrumentation.
• Skilled to identify complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail.
• Basic Knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, and biology.
• Working knowledge of using laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory protocols, and procedures.
• Knowledge of animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, environment.
• Knowledge of uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Ability to gather, understand and implement technical protocols.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts in order to calculate proportions, percentages, and volumes (e.g. making routine buffers).
• Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload.
• Ability to work independently to complete assigned projects.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written oral or diagram form.