Lab Researcher - Genomics

Summary

The Genomics Facility at National Jewish Health is seeking a highly motivated Lab Researcher to join the team. Our core lab is focused on working with investigators to help reach their Next-generation sequencing (NGS) needs. 

Techniques used in the lab include multiple advanced, technically demanding genomics approaches, including but not limited to:

• NGS pipelines
• Single-cell approaches
• Epigenomics
• CRISPR-Cas9 approaches
• Spatial genomic protocols

Training on specific techniques used in the laboratory will be provided. Experience NGS library prep is preferred. 

The work performed will be under the supervision of the laboratory manager and other senior personnel. The ideal candidate should demonstrate attention to detail and be organized, responsible, and a good communicator. Additional tasks will include general laboratory maintenance and operations. Cover letter is required for review of the application
 

Position Summary    

The position is responsible for planning, developing, executing, monitoring and testing high level, technically-demanding genomic sequencing techniques and investigative procedures under the direction of a Principal Investigator or Lab Manager.  

Essential Duties    

1. Develops new cellular, molecular, and/or genomic techniques and investigative procedures, including novel scientific procedures, computer/robotic programming techniques, and/or data reporting techniques.
2. Monitors quality control of procedures, experiments, general laboratory activities, sample tracking, and/or the use of research animals or human subject samples in the laboratory setting.
3. Performs specialized, complex, and technically demanding laboratory functions including, but not limited to robotics, gene expression profiling, genomics, next generation sequencing, epigenomics technologies, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, scRNA-seq, and/or CITE-seq.
4. Develops and performs novel NGS assays, including but not limited to new methodology for sample preparation, genomic/epigenomic modification, library build, or sequencing.
5. Provides general guidance to laboratory staff, including technicians, support and auxiliary staff.  Acts as a leader for laboratory programs and staff in assigned areas.
6. Demonstrates enhanced proficiency in data analysis, sample tracking, extraction and sample preparation procedures, programming and analysis systems.
7. Prepares statistical tabulations using advanced analysis programs and tools.
8. Oversees supply functions, inventory control, equipment use and maintenance, and animal care and ordering, as needed.
9. Maintains compliance with all institutional / safety training requirements.
10. Maintains laboratory records, supplies, samples in an organized manner (such as a laboratory notebook and sample storage record).
11. Acts a liaison to other department personnel, outside investigators, and vendors.
12. Designs and performs routine and non-routine tests leading to the successful completion of developed experiments.

Competencies    

1. Accountability: Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to National Jewish Health.
2. Laboratory Knowledge: Demonstrates and understands laboratory testing and methodology.
3. Decision Quality: Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement.   Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
4. Adaptability: Maintains effectiveness in the midst of change in work responsibilities or environment, requirements ambiguity, or stress.
5. Problem Solving: Uses issue identification, data relation and comparison, pattern recognition and information gathering to create analyses and make recommendations.
6. Informing/Communicating: Conveys ideas, responses, or instructions effectively, appropriately, and persuasively through writing or speech.
7. Professional Relationships: Interacts with others in a constructive, positive, and respectful manner, regardless of individual differences. Assists team members or co-workers in achieving personal goals and completing assignments.
8. Drive for Excellence: Consistently meets performance expectations, ensures that accurate, objective, and timely measures of quality are made and used.
9. Innovation Management: Identifies key trends, opportunities, and organizational capabilities that would bring competitive advantage to the organization.  Sees trends before others and integrates concepts in a unique way.

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility    

None

Travel

None

Core Values    

1. Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time.
2. Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others.
3. Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly.
4. Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually.
5. Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the institution.
6. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures. 
7. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures.
8. Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education: BS /BA Degree in Molecular Biology or related field required. Master’s Degree in a molecular biology field is preferred.
2. Work Experience:    
   • 1-2 years of Genomics-based Laboratory Experience required, and at least 2 years experience in a laboratory setting or
   • A  Master’s Degree and some genomics laboratory experience may be substituted for the required 1-2 years of Genomics-based laboratory work experience.
3. Special Training, Certification or Licensure: Familiarity with multiple advanced, technically demanding genomics approaches, including but not limited to NGS pipelines, single-cell approaches, epigenomics, CRISPR-Cas9 approaches, and/or 3D Genomic protocols.  

Salary Range: $55,000 - $62,000

Benefits
At National Jewish Health, we recognize that our outstanding faculty and staff are the essence of our organization. For every aspect of health care, our employees are our greatest asset.
With that in mind, we have designed a valuable, comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and their families.

• Medical Plans, Dental Plans and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• FSA and HSA
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Voluntary Benefits, like Accident Insurance, Critical Care and Hospital Indemnity
• Paid Time Off Accruals
• Wellness Program
• Legal Plan