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Research Scientist 1
  • Job Number: 25986
  • Functional Area: Research - Engineering
  • Department: Sociotechnical Systems Research Center
  • School Area: Engineering
  • Pay Range Minimum: $72,000
  • Pay Range Maximum: $92,000
  • Employment Type: Full-Time
  • Employment Category: Exempt
  • Visa Sponsorship Available: Yes
  • Schedule: M-F, Standard Hours
  • Pay Grade: No Grade


Posting Description

RESEARCH SCIENTIST 1, Center for Biomedical Innovation (CBI), part of the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center (SSRC), will support a J-WAFS seed grant to develop a lyophilized, single-tube, multiplex molecular diagnostic for rapid detection of waterborne viruses. Working with an interdisciplinary team, the Research Scientist will integrate reverse transcription–recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) with programmable Argonaute nuclease detection to identify Norovirus and Hepatitis A virus in environmental water samples. Responsibilities include evaluating Argonaute nucleases; developing guide DNAs and RT-RPA primers; optimizing fluorescence and lateral-flow detection; formulating and testing lyophilized reaction pellets for ambient-temperature storage; and validating assay performance in surface water, agricultural runoff, and municipal water. The scientist will assess sensitivity, stability, time-to-result, and inter-user variability; maintain experimental documentation; communicate findings; and contribute to reports, presentations, and publications.

 

 

 

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: Ph.D. in biochemical or chemical engineering, biological sciences, or a related field; at least two years of relevant experience; experience developing rapid point-of-use analytical tools; hands-on experience with isothermal nucleic acid amplification, such as RT-RPA or LAMP; expertise in PCR-based methods, nucleic acid probe and guide design, and fluorescence detection; experience with RNA virus targets or viral nucleic acid standards in complex matrices; ability to work independently and collaboratively; and strong troubleshooting, organizational, documentation, and communication skills. PREFERRED: Experience with Argonaute or CRISPR based detection, lateral-flow assays, lyophilization, environmental sample processing, waterborne pathogens, water-quality monitoring, RT-qPCR benchmarking, publications, scientific presentations, and electronic laboratory notebooks.

This one-year appointment may be extended based on performance and funding and has no supervisory responsibilities.

8/26/2026