Research Scientist 5 (Deputy Lab Chief, Viral Diseases)

Division of Infectious Diseases

Wadsworth Center, New York State (NYS) Department of Health

Albany, New York, United States

Description

The Wadsworth Center, the nation’s premier state public health research laboratory, is recruiting for a Deputy Chief for the Laboratory of Viral Diseases (LVD). The LVD includes General Virology, Viral Encephalitis, Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Research and Development Groups and two national reference and surveillance centers. (https://www.wadsworth.org/programs/id/virology). The LVD has developed and validated molecular tests including whole-genome sequencing for molecular epidemiology and virus evolution studies. The incumbent will provide leadership for staff performing reference laboratory testing services, outbreak investigations, surveillance, and research for a variety of viral agents, including those causing respiratory, gastroenteric and exanthematous diseases. Work will include virus identification and characterization with advanced molecular methods, culture and isolation to produce virus stocks and development of new molecular tests for novel viruses. The incumbent will work closely with the Laboratory Chief, LVD staff and colleagues in the NYS Department of Health’s Division of Epidemiology to provide laboratory support for outbreak investigations and participate in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsored programs. The pursuit of applied research activities is a major emphasis and there are ample opportunities for collaborative efforts with other programs and other institutions.

The Wadsworth Center (www.wadsworth.org) is the country’s most comprehensive state public health laboratory with a staff of about 700, that includes over 100 doctoral level scientists. The Center includes both state-of-the art clinical testing laboratories and a dynamic research environment focused on infectious, genetic and environmental diseases and their impact on human health.

Minimum Qualifications:

A doctorate in the chemical or biological sciences and three years of professional research experience in an appropriate field; or a master’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology and five years of such experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidate will have a doctoral degree and a minimum of four years postdoctoral experience, preferably in a clinical or public health virology laboratory, with a strong interest in developing novel technologies and applied research. Board certification (or eligible) in medical microbiology (ABMM) or American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB) is preferred.

Applicants should submit their curriculum vitae, a 1-page description of clinical virology, public health and managerial expertise. Include the names/contact information of at least three references to [email protected] with “12327” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

New York State offers a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including: 13 paid holidays annually, 13 days of paid vacation leave annually, 5 days of paid personal leave annually, 13 days of paid sick leave annually, 3 days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development; Health Care Benefits: Employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs with family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost. Additional Benefits include: Retirement System (ERS) Membership, Deferred Compensation, Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

For more information on the NYS Department of Health’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/mvv.htm. AA/EOE