Lab Researcher Technician - Honda Lab

Summary

Position Summary    

National Jewish Health is currently seeking a Lab Research Technician to join the dynamic laboratory team of microbiologist, Jennifer Honda, PhD. The Honda lab is dedicated to learning more about the environmental, host, and microbial factors driving the emergence and pathogenesis of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease. The major emphases of the lab include understanding the environmental factors that contribute to NTM persistence, the host immune responses to NTM infections, and elucidating the NTM-specific virulence factors that facilitate survival.

To learn more about the Honda Lab, please visit: https://www.nationaljewish.org/research-science/programs-depts/center-for-genes-environment-and-health/labs/honda-laboratory

The ideal candidate must be first and foremost - detailed oriented, enthusiastic, a fabulous communicator, and work with minimal supervision to help create a world-class research lab. Equally, the candidate must be able to multi-task and balance multiple projects, show excellent written and verbal communication skills, and should have an academic background in any of the following areas: biology, microbial ecology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or similar. 

The ideal candidate is responsible, a dedicated team player, who will perform routine laboratory tests under the direction of Dr. Honda. In addition, the candidate should: (1) Demonstrate the ability to understand oral and written documentation, write lab reports, understand and implement lab procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations; (2) Show functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in microbial culture, DNA/protein/lipid extraction protocols and analyses, bacteriology, gel electrophoresis, sequencing, microscopy, human and amoeba cell culture, molecular detection, in vitro and in vivo mouse assays - demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology; (3) Be personable, adaptable, and demonstrate the ability to recognize problems, troubleshoot, and resolve typical laboratory issues; and (4) Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals. All aspects of this work innervates with on-going NTM studies in Hawai’i; thus, knowledge of the biology, local populous, and ecology of the Hawaiian Islands is highly desirable.

This individual will also be:

• An avid learner of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM),
• Show mastery of aseptic techniques, microbial culture, and basic microbiological techniques,
• Able to prepare glassware, culture media, and other laboratory support activities,
• Skilled in computer-based data analyses and be expected to contribute to manuscript preparation, grant applications, and presentations,
• Able to conduct some administrative work related to health and safety standards and be trained in standard operating procedures and safety,
• Able to shift between independent work and work within a team of enthusiastic NTM researchers. 

Cover letter required for review of application.

Essential Duties    

1. Performs routine laboratory tests under the direction of a Principal Investigator or Lab Manager.
2. Collects, accurately records and analyzes data in conjunction with other research staff.
3. Obtains and maintains minimum proficiency in data analysis, preparation of glassware, extraction and plating procedures, basic programming and mathematical ordering systems.  May utilize computer.
4. Maintains compliance with all institutional/safety training requirements.
5. Maintains laboratory records, supplies and samples in an organized manner (such as a laboratory notebook and sample storage record).

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.

Other Duties

1. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies    

1. Laboratory Knowledge: Demonstrates and understands laboratory testing and methodology.
2. Decision Quality: Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement.  Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
3. Adaptability: Maintains effectiveness in the midst of change in work responsibilities or environment, requirements ambiguity, or stress.
4. Problem Solving: Uses issue identification, data relation and comparison, pattern recognition and information gathering to create analyses and make recommendations.
5. Informing/Communicating: Conveys ideas, responses, or instructions effectively, appropriately, and persuasively through writing or speech.
6. 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.

Minimum Qualifications

BS /BA degree, a demonstrated basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, laboratory equipment, and data collection /classification required.
 

Salary Range: $17.17 - $22.39