Prion Lab Associate (Research Technician III)

Overview

The National Wildlife Research Center (USDA-NWRC) and the Utah State University (USU) disease ecology lab seek a lab associate to assist with assay development as part of a large-scale chronic wasting disease research program. The position will be filled through USU, but it will be located at the USDA-NWRC in Fort Collins. The Lab Associate will serve as a primary point of contact connecting field, lab, and analytical components of this project. They should be detail-oriented and conscientious of biosecurity. Strong communication and organizational skills are imperative. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as quickly as possible.

Responsibilities

The Lab Associate will be responsible for:

Coordinating with USU staff to receive and organize a variety of Utah mule deer sample types Working with NWRC staff to perform CWD detection assays and genetic characterization on those specimens Working with NWRC staff to implement, improve, and adapt assay protocols Coordinating data transmission back to USU for statistical analysis.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Four years of experience; or an associate degree plus two years of experience; or a bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education plus experience is required.

Ability to work safely and independently in a BSL-2 laboratory.  Experience with laboratory support activities, (. record maintenance, inventory, literature review, document writing, . Experience with data entry and management.  Strong written and oral communication skills. 

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with RT-QuIC

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

$50,000, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

College/Department Highlights

This position will be located at the USDA National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins, CO.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students , including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community ofwhere all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named in 2023. about USU. 

The university provides a to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or

for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, , is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation.

*updated 04/2024

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The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity  Matthew Pinner,

, or contact:

. Department of Education,  Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,800-421-3481,