Research Associate

at  Heluna Health

SUMMARY

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Heluna Health invites applications for a full-time Research Associate in the CDPH Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Laboratory (VRDL). The candidate preferably will be experienced in and will receive training to utilize cross-cutting technologies to further improve laboratory testing capabilities. The candidate will work on projects relating to viral respiratory agents contributing to detection and surveillance of these agents for public health purposes. The position is in Richmond, CA.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to perform:
• Sterile technique and standard safety precautions for working with potential infectious clinical specimens
• Micromanipulations, such as pipetting small volumes and other fine measurements using laboratory equipment
• Previous experience with cell culture and molecular (PCR; sequencing) techniques is highly desirable
• Able to follow verbal instructions and written protocols

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor’s degree in a biological science, with course work in chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology is required.

OTHER SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings
• Ability to work effectively with a team of diverse individuals
• Possess organizational and documentation skills

• With adequate training and demonstration of competency, perform cell culture and virus isolation procedures for influenza surveillance, perform phenotypic and molecular assays for virologic characterization of respiratory viruses for detection and surveillance.
• Process and maintain records of virus surveillance testing.
• Process and aliquot respiratory specimens for laboratory testing.
• Maintain reagents, protocols, and quality control procedures.
• Follow safety and quality control procedures in the handling of hazardous biological and chemical materials, and in the maintenance of laboratory equipment and reagents.
• Assist in shipping packages to CDC as part of influenza and other surveillance projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.