Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Additional duties may be assigned.

• Conduct experiments and perform analytical testing using standard laboratory techniques including:
  • Standard microbiology
  • Enzyme assays
  • Product efficacy evaluation
• Participate in research and development of products/solutions through extraction, identification and characterization of bacteria
• Employ proper aseptic technique
• Maintain laboratory equipment and monitor levels of supplies and reagents
• Adapt to novel techniques and equipment with assistance from supervisor
• Organize and document data to support ongoing research projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support procedures in product development
• Write and present technical reports and summary documents

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including bacterial culturing; familiarity of DNA extraction and PCR analysis preferred but not required
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong technical writing skills and efficient study of scientific literature
• Excellent organizational and written communication skills
• Ability to manage experimental workloads and deliver accurate and timely results
• Willingness to learn and implement new techniques in the laboratory
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or related field with preferred 1 year laboratory experience but not required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities at present time.

Environmental, Safety, Quality, and Legal Requirements: Employee safety is a high priority, employees are expected to attend safety training sessions as instructed by the Safety Coordinator. They are responsible to understand and follow all of the guidelines set forth. Due to the nature of the material being handled, the employee will need to inform management if they are, or will become, immunocompromised. 

Language Skills: Ability to read, listen, and speak English is required. Proficiency in French is valued. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general chemistry and biology periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and procedure manuals. Must have the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public with different scientific and non-scientific backgrounds.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, scientific notation, and decimals. Ability to compute effectively analyze large complex datasets and present them graphically.

Computer Skills: To perform this job to a valued degree of success, an individual should have strong knowledge of Microsoft office tools such as including Excel, Word, and Outlook. 

Reasoning Ability: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Must be able to analyze results from the laboratory and judge if they fall outside the expected range for the experiment’s hypothesis.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds on a seldom basis. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee will frequently need to safely handle flammable, corrosive, and toxic chemicals. Handling of BSL2 organisms after sufficient training may be required.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, strong odors, and extreme cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.