Research Scientist II JR-0000569

Health Research, Inc. (HRI) contributes to the health and well-being of the people of New York State by complementing and enabling the strategic public health goals of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corporation (RPCIC), and other health-related entities.

HRI provides best-in-class resource administration for stakeholders and programs related to the work and priorities of the Department of Health and its other partners. HRI does this through the provision of knowledge, expertise, funding guidance, and fiduciary oversight of sponsored program funding for public health and research programs in concert with community partnerships.

Health Research, Inc. (HRI) offers a robust, comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from;
• Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit;
• Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave;
• Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities;
• Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses;
• Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally;
• And so much more!

Job Description:

Responsibilities

Wastewater testing is a relatively new and rapidly expanding surveillance method already extensively used for COVID-19 and other critical pathogens. Health Research, Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist II to join the largest state public health Virology laboratory team in the US. The incumbent will participate in the largest state wastewater surveillance program in the US. This dynamic program involves multiple collaborating investigators with wastewater testing programs in infectious diseases and organic molecules. The high-quality operation of this front-end laboratory to the entire program is critical to the successful performance of all downstream laboratories and outcomes.  The Research Scientist II will perform, monitor and provide oversight for the receiving, accessioning, processing, and extraction of wastewater samples from treatment plants across NYS and distribution to collaborating testing laboratories. The incumbent will supervise a team of approximately five scientists; coordinate with the Wadsworth Glassware facility for routine collection device cleaning, sterilization, and distribution and work with IT staff on database maintenance and reporting as well as with R&D staff on project development needs.

This position will be part of a dynamic team serving the Wadsworth Center’s mission in the New York State Department of Health’s efforts to protect and promote the health of New York’s citizens. Come be a part of Science in the Pursuit of Health®!

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field and three years of research experience; OR a Master’s degree in a related field and two years of research experience; OR a Doctorate in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a biological/biomedical science.  At least three years of experience performing molecular methods, including one year handling infectious agents.  Experience supervising or training junior scientists. Experience working with collaborators.  Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office software, including database management. 

Conditions of Employment

Grant funded position. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required. 

Travel, up to 25% of the time, will be required. 

This position requires that the incumbent will report to the official work location and live within commuting distance to the official work location. Telecommuting will be unavailable.

Exposure to potentially hazardous substances may be involved with this position. Therefore, the incumbent in this position may be required to wear personal protective clothing and equipment including but not limited to gloves, gown/lab coat and eye protection.

HRI participates in the E-Verify Program.  

HRI has a long-standing dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce. HRI is committed to the principle of non-discrimination in all phases of its employment procedures and practices.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Qualified Individuals with Disabilities/Qualified Protected Veterans

www.healthresearch.org