Molecular Scientist
MRIGlobal, 425 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
Req #492
About MRIGlobal
MRIGlobal, an independent research and development organization delivers solutions in global health, national security and defense, and energy and the environment. The organization performs scientific research, advanced engineering, and program integration and management for clients in industry, government, and academia. Established in 1944 as Midwest Research Institute, MRIGlobal is based in Kansas City, Mo., and operates in nine states and Washington, D.C.
Staff Scientist
MRIGlobal currently has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Scientist with emphasis in Molecular Biology for our Life Sciences Center in Kansas City, Missouri. With minimal supervision, this position will perform technically-based tasks and laboratory experimentation related to molecular biology applications according to established protocols and SOPs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in molecular biology skills such as real-time PCR, DNA quantitation and nucleic acid extraction. The individual will execute research project procedures, perform data analysis, and write summary reports. This individual will serve as a Task Lead on projects, providing direction to junior technical staff. The individual will be responsible for proficiency in the use of all equipment and procedures for the assigned area with strict adherence to quality control and quality assurance assessments.
Basic function:
- Perform and interpret various laboratory tests common to clinical microbiology and clinical virology laboratories including gold standard culture techniques, automated phenotypic and molecular identification of bacteria, yeasts and viruses
- Perform molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR and DNA sequencing including next generation DNA sequencing
- Develop development of test plans, experimental designs, and analytical methods
- Draft reports for small projects or projects requiring routine analysis and testing
- Ability to train technicians and entry-level staff on analytical procedures and testing
- Ability to effectively communicate and perform multiple tasks simultaneously, well organized, analytical, and flexible to adjust to priorities
- Work in the laboratories will require training, ability to pass physical exams and participation in vaccination programs
- Support compliance to ISO-17025 and ISO-9000 requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline; or a M.S. and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience; or a B.S. plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience
- Technical, wet laboratory experience working in one or more of the following focus areas: Molecular Biology, Genomics/Metagenomics, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology.
- Proficient oral and written communication skills
- Proficient computer skills and ability to learn new software and systems
- Leadership abilities with strong problem solving aptitude
- Ability to effectively communicate expectations, assess client needs, gain acceptance of an idea/plan/activity/product, and interact with technical staff at all levels in a team-based environment
- Well organized and methodical, yet flexible in adjusting priorities, and able to take risks to accomplish goals.
- Ability to obtain, and maintain, a U.S. Government security clearance
Preferred Experience:
- Experience working in a genomics core facility or similar instrument facility
- Experience working in an ISO-9000 or ISO-17025 certified laboratory
- Experience with assay development, verification and validation studies
- Biosafety Level 2 or higher experience
Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. In order to meet the government security investigation requirements, U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite.
To view all of MRIGlobal's current openings and to ensure that we receive your resume, visit our Career page.
As a Federal Contractor as defined by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force guidelines, all employees working for MRIGlobal must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved reasonable exemption by the MRIGlobal Office of Accommodations, regardless of location.
It is the policy of MRIGlobal to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state protected classification.