DESCRIPTION

The Steinmetz Lab in the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering focuses on the development of plant virus-based nanotechnologies for applications targeting human health, such as cancer immunotherapies and vaccines (including COVID-19 vaccines). We value team science, interdisciplinary research and collaboration within our lab, across the university, and with researchers across the world. More information about us can be found at www.steinmetzlab.com.

This position has dual functions of laboratory management and scientific research. Under the general supervision of the Principle Investigator, the incumbent manages all aspects of the research laboratory and also have the opportunity to conduct research projects.

Laboratory management duties include overseeing ordering, managing the inventory, equipment upkeep, interfacing with neighboring, laboratories and collaborators. The laboratory management responsibilities also includes managing the lab’s safety protocols. The incumbent provided work direction and teach laboratory procedures to lower-level Staff Research Associates, students, visiting scholars, and postdoctoral scholars. The incumbent reads abstract on relevant scientific articles, finds new sources of information for novel experimental design and execution. The laboratory oversight responsibilities include coordinating with EH&S to maintain a safe working environment. The incumbent oversees ledgers, income and expenditures, and monitor lab safety issues.

The laboratory management includes the maintaining of the lab’s indoor greenhouse facilities and plant maintenance and plant virus production.

The incumbent independently performs a wide variety of specialized laboratory procedures in plant molecular farming, molecular biology, cell biology, nanotechnology, and bioengineering including work with plants, cell culture, and mice. Functions also include complex data interpretation and study designs based on current scientific literature and recent advances in the field, organizing and executing all techniques involved. The incumbent has the opportunity to participate in the preparation of manuscripts and scientific articles suitable for publication in scientific journals, including editing technical sections of manuscripts. Under supervision, the incumbent performs data analysis, including statistical analysis, using computerized methods.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BS degree or MS degree in Biology, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Bioengineering or related disciplines.

• Experience in plant farming, and/or molecular biology, and/or chemistry, and/or nanotechnology, and/or bioengineering or related disciplines.

• Prior research experience; independent experiment design, data collection, analysis and reporting.

• Experience in planning and organizational skills and ability to work in a changing, multiple-demand setting in order to prioritize a large volume of work and meet deadlines efficiently and accurately.

• Experience in multi-tasking and ability to perform under stress.

• Ability to work independently.

• Knowledge of regulations and requirements for laboratory safety, including methods for handling, cleaning and disposal of waste.

• Excellent communication skills for oral presentations, written reports, and one-on-one laboratory training.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively deal with a diverse workforce.

• Experience in debugging data acquisition problems that may arise from laboratory equipment.

• Experience and aptitude for management of laboratory personnel with regards to experimental direction, time management and safety issues.

• Experience analyzing and interpreting data for research purposes.

• Ability and organizational skills to keep accurate records of scientific data in well-organized lab notebook.

• Ability to follow directions as well as take the initiative in coordination with the PI.

• Experience with Windows OS or Mac with competency using standard business software (e.g. MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel), various web applications, and internet search tools. Must possess the willingness and ability to update and increase computer skills and knowledge as needed.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Willingness to work with animals preferred.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Overtime and weekends may be required.