Senior Laboratory Specialist

The Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh is seeking a qualified Senior Laboratory Specialist.

The Senior Laboratory Specialist will be responsible for overseeing research projects, personnel involved in the projects, budgetary discretion related to research projects, and management of a complex stream of laboratory supplies crucial to the progress of integrated projects. As such, the incumbent must exhibit strengths in the conduct and execution of scientific projects as well as managerial foresight.

The incumbent will be involved in the management of several funded multi-center, multidisciplinary, and multi-investigator studies that are focused on the sequencing of HIV-1-derived sequences from plasma, cells, and/or tissue culture supernatants to evaluate HIV-1 persistence, clonal expansion, and integration. Daily activities will involve coordinating research activities, including data collection, data input, evaluation, and analysis of research projects, along with compiling progress reports to the Principal Investigator. The Senior Laboratory Specialist will enforce laboratory safety guidelines and proper chemical/biohazard waste disposals. Also, he/she will be responsible for budgeting, purchasing laboratory supplies, and keeping track of supply inventories and equipment maintenance. Other managerial responsibilities include: interviewing staff candidates, training new staff, and assigning and allocating tasks among students and other staff members in the lab.

Laboratory responsibilities include, but are not limited to, RNA extractions, RTPCR, PCR, and DNA sequencing of HIV-1 derived sequences from clinical samples obtained from patients in ongoing studies. Expertise in the Sanger and Next Generation sequencing as well as accompanying analyses programs is desirable. Furthermore, experience in the use of Bio-Analyzers and Liquid Handlers is preferred. The incumbent must be able to work in a multi-disciplinary environment and possess excellent communication skills. In this regard, the incumbent is expected to analyze data, prepare reports, and present results on a regular basis. The incumbent will also have to coordinate and oversee projects both with personnel at the University of Pittsburgh and at other institutions. Background in molecular biology or virology, either classroom or direct experience, is preferred.
Good managerial skills are essential.

It is our intention to fill this position no sooner than June or July of 2017.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

A master’s degree is preferred. A bachelor’s degree with at least four to five years of experience can be considered. A background in molecular biology or virology, either classroom or direct experience is preferred. Incumbent must have good managerial skills.

Apply Here

PI98170062