Senior Microbiologist

SUMMARY 

The Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) seeks a Senior Microbiologist candidate to join the Zoonotic and Vector Borne Diseases Section.

In this role, the candidate will support VRDL efforts to enhance surveillance for zoonotic viral pathogens by assisting with the development and optimization of real-time PCR detection methods and NGS sequencing protocols for multiple zoonotic viruses (e.g., rabies lyssavirus and orthohantaviruses).

The Senior Microbiologist will also support other NGS activities at CDPH related to sequence generation and data analysis for phylogenetics, genotyping, and other types of genomic characterization of vector borne viral pathogens (e.g., rabies lyssavirus, orthohantaviruses, arboviruses, coltiviruses).

The ideal candidate should have a solid scientific background in microbiology (virology preferred), hands-on experience in molecular methods (e.g., PCR, real-time PCR), basic experience with bioinformatics software (e.g., editing chromatograms, making alignments, building phylogenetic trees), and a working knowledge of next generation sequencing.

The incumbent is also expected to stay up to date with scientific literature and contribute to the laboratory academically by assisting with abstracts and manuscripts.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 per year - $114,000 per year depending on experience/ qualifications. 

The position is in Richmond, CA.

Must submit a resume with application. 

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS


* Organize and perform molecular scientific research studies on viral pathogens using real-time PCR, end point PCR, and NGS methods in collaboration with other research scientists


* Work as part of a research team to develop and implement new workflows, molecular assays, and analyses for genomic characterization of viral pathogens


* Use bioinformatics software such as Geneious to edit sequencing data, make alignments, and generate phylogenetic trees


* Plan and perform validations for new molecular and NGS-based methods


* Adhere and contribute to Quality Assurance protocols and standards


* Assist with scientific writing tasks such as SOPs, reports, validation summaries, posters, and manuscripts


* Maintain organized and detailed laboratory records of experiments, specimens, and reagents


* Stay updated with the latest scientific advancements in molecular testing and sequencing of viruses


* Assist in training workshops


* Assist with bat identification as part of rabies surveillance


* Fulfill other duties related to zoonotic diseases as assigned

JOB QUALIFICATIONS


* Proficiency in molecular biology technique...