Senior Microbiologist

The Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) at Heluna Health is seeking a highly motivated Senior Microbiologist to oversee laboratory operations and activities in the BSL-3 laboratory suite. This role involves working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure safety, consistency, efficiency, and compliance of research laboratories and programs.

• Manage daily administrative and operational activities for the BSL-3 facilities used by VRDL.
• Provide technical expertise and safety guidance to BSL-3 users.
• Maintain frequent communications with BSL-3 users to ensure laboratory operations are safe and meet regulatory expectations.
• Coordinate with VRDL leadership, biosafety team, and building facilities management to support BSL-3 functions.
• Schedule and coordinate routine facility maintenance, annual preventative maintenance, and equipment certifications.
• Maintain physical security of the BSL-3 facilities.
• Responsible for purchasing and maintaining all PPE and general supplies needed for the BSL-3.
• Read, review, and write necessary BSL-3 SOPs, including donning and doffing, BSL-3 safety manuals, and emergency response SOPs.
• Provide training for BSL-3 users, as needed.
• Participate in scheduled meetings with BSL-3 users and campus administrative and safety personnel.
• Stay updated with the latest scientific advancements and participate in grant proposal writing.
• Offer scientific consultation to external and internal microbiologists and assist in training workshops.

• Broad scientific background in microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, or related scientific field.
• Experience and familiarity with laboratory management.
• Experience working in BSL-3 is preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge and experience with laboratory work environments (BSL-2 minimum) and sterile technique.
• Experience with standard precautions for working with potentially infectious clinical specimens, particularly working in class II BSC.
• Experience or proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as PCR and NGS.
• Ability to conduct and report on scientific experiments while maintaining careful attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practices.
• Strong communication skills, self-motivation, and proven ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and planning skills to ensure projects are complete under established deadlines and timelines.

• Doctoral degree in the field of molecular biology, genetics, systems biology, chemistry, or related fields.
• Master/Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant experience.

• Possession of a Public Health Microbiologist certificate or eligibility for the Public Health Microbiologist training program.

General office and laboratory setting, indoors, temperature controlled.