Animal Specialist - Infectious Disease ,Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI

The Animal Specialist, Infectious Disease, CDI will be working in the lab of Dr. Erika Shor performing research in the study of infectious disease and microbiology.  The research will include running animal models of fungal infection and colonization and analyzing fungal cells in the laboratory using standard microbiological and molecular biological techniques. Knowledge and/or experience in mouse models of human disease and standard molecular biological techniques (aseptic culture, microbial propagation in lab media, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification) 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 39 labs, 200+ scientists and allied personnel supported by 78 NIH and DoD grants and more than 87 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, rheumatology and pharmacology.

A day in the life of a Animal Specialist, Infetious Disease, CDI at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Assists with performing various research and technical operations relative to lab specific projects. Specifically, procedures include, but are not limited to, the administration of drugs and discovery compounds to mice via various routes, mouse infection via intranasal, intravenous or aerosol routes, and sampling of organs for drug and burden quantification, and immunopathology studies.
• Assist with preparation of BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 pathogen cultures.
• Sets-up, maintains, sterilizes, and decontaminates the devices for aerosol infection, homogenizer, and other equipment.
• Autoclave waste materials and clean biosafety cabinets and equipment.
• Understands and adheres to Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) CDI compliance standards.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal and state regulations, laws and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
• Lifting and handling of laboratory animals and feed/equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant science or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in work with rodent models under Biosafety level 2 containment and/or relevant equivalent work experience.
• Basic knowledge in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.
• Good organization and record-keeping skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills..
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• CDC approved for work with select agents.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in work with animal infection models under Biosafety level 3 containment. 

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• AALAS certification (American Association for Lab Animal Scientists).

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