Research Scholar

The NC State Department of Clinical Sciences (DoCS) at the College of Veterinary Medicine ( CVM), one of the highest rated veterinary schools in the country, is dedicated to excellence in educating and training veterinarians and comparative biomedical scientists, furthering health care and wellness through discovery and clinical research and providing outstanding and compassionate medical care to a diverse range of animals. Furthermore, DoCS and the CVM aim to effectively engage the animal-owning public, government, and industry partners, and provide leadership in integrating biomedical sciences to advance the One Health initiative.

The Vector-borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory ( VBDDL) in DoCS is a world renowned, diagnostic and research laboratory with a mission to provide quality answers to diagnostic questions and advance our understanding of the epidemiological and clinicopathological effects of vector-borne diseases in animals. Our group consists of board-certified veterinary specialists, scientific researchers, technicians, technologists, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students collaborating to improve animal health through knowledge, discovery and diagnosis of vector-borne diseases.

The Research Scholar position with the VBDDL will support our team by developing and maintaining high quality diagnostic assays while managing a small group of Medical Technicians/Technologists who serve veterinary clients and researchers. This individual will also manage a multi-user biosafety level 3 ( BSL-3) laboratory for NC State that resides at the CVM.

Research (40%): Within the VBDDL, our diagnostic assays, antigens and controls are developed and validated as a component of our research. We expect the Research Scholar to apply their experience working with antibodies, proteins, peptides and nucleic acids, including ELISA and molecular assay development to design and validate innovative new vector-borne pathogen diagnostic assays for client-owned, domesticated, and exotic animals. This person will be required to work with vector-borne pathogens in clinical samples, cultures, and in vitro assays and will apply their specialized knowledge to a variety of complex laboratory procedures and techniques. They will apply in-depth knowledge of laboratory equipment and instrumentation, including robots for liquid handling and sample processing. Specific laboratory skills that may be applied include PCR (qPCR, RT- PCR, dPCR), DNA sequence analysis, ELISA, Immunofluorescent antibody assay ( IFA) production and evaluation, Western Blot, and mammalian cell and bacterial cultures. If there is interest from the Research Scholar, this position could include attending pertinent scientific conferences, manuscript authorship and assistance in writing grant proposals for the acquisition of research grant funding.

Leadership (40%): The Research Scholar will supervise and provide leadership to 5-6 skilled Medical Technicians/ Technologists in the VBDDL to support them in maintaining smooth diagnostic testing operations, interpretating abnormal results, and problem solving. Our Medical Technicians /Technologist are responsible for processing and testing a high volume of animal sample submissions, performing quality control assessments, and reporting results to clients. Furthermore, this team also assists with assay development, validation, troubleshooting and research projects for researchers and Principal Investigators (PI) within the VBDDL. The Research Scholar will assess performance and implement professional growth plans for their team.

BSL-3 Management (20%): The Research Scholar will be responsible for the operation of a specialized BSL-3 biocontainment laboratory. This position will manage the facilities, equipment, and supplies for the BSL-3 lab. We expect this person to apply knowledge of virologic, immunologic, and other microbiology principles and to serve as the authority on biocontainment concerns within the BSL-3 lab. The person will act as liaison with PIs, BSL-3 laboratory users, Environmental Health and Safety ( EHS), vendors and the BSL-3 lab director to ensure streamlined collaborative research efforts. Additional specific duties include annual review of the Biosafety Manual with the EHS Biosafety Officer, participate in annual inspections of the facility to satisfy institutional and federal regulations, train prospective researchers in BSL-3 biosafety procedures and establish criteria by which access is authorized, and maintain appropriate records for certification of unit under CDC and federal guidelines.

The Research Scholar position will require clear and effective communication, a collaborative nature, demonstrated collegiality, and a commitment to growth of the CVM and VBDDL.

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Please submit cover letter, C/V, and contact information for three professional references.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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