Research Specialist, Infection Biology-Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI)

Research Specialist, Infection Biology

The Research Specialist, Infection Biology will be working in the lab of Martin Gengenbacher performing research in the study of severe infections caused by pathogenic mycobacteria. The research will include animal models of infection to study the immunopathology of mycobacteria and to develop/test novel therapeutic strategies, that target the pathogen (antibiotics) and the host (vaccines, immunomodulatory therapies). Knowledge and/or experience in basic bacteriology and immunology will be useful to the position.

The Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases. The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 32 labs, 190 scientists and allied personnel supported by 60 NIH grants and more than 30 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, immunology and immunotherapy, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, and pharmacology.

Responsibilities

A day in the life of a Research Specialist, Infection Biology at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Performs general laboratory functions including but not limited to equipment maintenance and restocking.
• Assists in designing and performing experiments and data analysis.
• Maintains accurate notes and records of all research performed.
• Performs data collection and interpretation of results.
• Creates reports from analysis of initial observations and conclusions.
• Establishes experimental protocols, design and documentation.
• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the lab.
• Recommends changes to the lab practices and procedures.
• Uses necessary equipment to perform studies.
• Maintains lab space.
• Learns about and shares with laboratory members the latest advances in laboratory techniques being used.
• Communicates issues to the Principal Investigator, Laboratory Manager or Department Chair.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent training.
• Minimum of 1 or more years of experience.
• Ability to work independently and have a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work well with others in a team environment.
• Flexible in work schedule. Must be available to occasionally come to the laboratory on a weekend day or stay late for a given experiment.
• Lab specific technical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• B.Sc. or Master's degree.
• Experience working in a BSL2/BSL3 lab facility.
• Experience with small animal handling.
• Other lab specific.

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!

Compensation Minimum rate of $21.40 Hourly HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package. The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:

• Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
• Experience: Years of relevant work experience.
• Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.
• Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
• Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
• Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.
• Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.

Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts. In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH (HMH) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, genetic information, refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available to an employer the results of a genetic test, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, national origin, nationality, ancestry, disability, marital status, liability for military service, or status as a protected veteran.