Research Technician

East Stroudsburg University is hiring a Wildlife Field Technician! Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, ESU’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia provides convenient access to internships, careers and social activities. Just minutes from campus are the country’s largest water parks, scenic Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area, Appalachian Trail, and other opportunities for recreational fun .

As the Wildlife Field Technician, you will need to think creatively and be comfortable working in small groups with student researchers to trap, handle, and take samples from live small mammals while adhering to research methodologies and IACUC approved protocols. You will be an active member of the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute and will record all field notes accurately, generate reports, and follow standards of practice for sample storage. You will thrive in this role if you like combining your knowledge of wildlife management and field research experience while maintaining a high sense of curiosity. To be successful in this role, you must be detail-oriented, organized and eager to learn a breadth of techniques.

This is a grant-funded position. Contracts will be awarded based on grant funding with full-time employment until June 30, 2024. Typical hours are Monday-Friday 8 am – 4:30 pm. You may have to flex your schedule from time to time with occasional evening and/or weekend work being required. When our team shows up for work, they are energized and motivated to succeed - all while being the most crucial piece to keeping the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute operations humming.

What Will I Do At ESU? (AKA Essential Duties)

• Responsible adherence to laboratory safety procedures is essential.
• Maintains, cleans, and calibrates all scientific equipment based on manufacturers and laboratory standards of practice. Maintaining successful completion of proficiency testing in aseptic techniques, DNA/RNA extractions, and PCR. Maintains data using electronic recording and documentation of sample processing based on approved standards of practice
• Performs laboratory testing using scientific techniques, such as DNA/RNA extractions, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the presence, or absence of bacterial, protozoa, fungi, viruses, or other pathogenic microorganisms
• Performs laboratory testing using scientific techniques such as genotyping, and genetic sequencing to evaluate genotypes, strain, and haplotype differences of pathogens or wildlife populations.
• Conducts required quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure reagents, media, apparatus, and processes meet required performance standards
• Assists with generating scientific protocols to be used in research conducted within the laboratory and assist Research Assistant with projects on tick-borne illnesses or population genetics. Identify various ticks to species and life stages and ability to use dichotomous keys to identify unknown specimens.
• Updates and maintains current standards of practice and inventory logs and processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For (AKA Qualifications)

• Associate degree in Veterinary Laboratory Technology (VLT) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and one (1) year of technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development, clinical pathology or diagnostic laboratory; or two (2) years of college which includes six (6) credits in biology, three (3) credits in chemistry, and three (3) credits in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, histology or biostatistics and one (1) year of technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development, clinical pathology or diagnostic laboratory: or An equivalent combination of experience and training which included one (1) year of technical laboratory experience in a biomedical research or development, clinical pathology or diagnostic laboratory, and six (6) college credits in biology, three (3) college credits in chemistry, and three (3) college credits in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, histology or biostatistics.
• One year of experience work in a research laboratory or one-year technical laboratory experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• A Bachelor’s degree of Science in Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field with a minimum of 20 credit hours in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry preferred.
• Minimum of 1-year experience working in a molecular, biotechnology or similar laboratory preferred.
• One-year experience with sample handling, DNA extractions, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is preferred.
• One-year experience identifying ticks and knowledge on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania is preferred.
• Strong communication skills to efficiently with lead laboratory staff on experimentations and laboratory processes.
• Able to read, write, and comprehend English; able to follow verbal instructions.
• Experience with Word, Excel, Teams required.

What We Offer

• Outstanding benefits package
• Travel: Less than 10% (based on a 250 annual working day schedule)
• Living by the Warrior Code:

o Accountable for One's Actions o Committed to Self-Growth

o Willing to Sacrifice for the Greater Good

o Positive, Honest, and Loyal

o Respectful of the Environment and Community

o Dedicated to Empowering Others

We believe diversity, inclusion and belonging is key for our teams.

Much like our academic programs, we are proud to foster a workplace that is unique to higher education. As an organization focused on diversity, inclusion and belonging, we are committed to ensuring our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work every day. A unique perspective is critical to solving complex problems and inspiring others.

And yes, legal made us spell this out…

Must be at least 18 years old and have English literacy skills. Employment with ESU is contingent on the selected candidate passing a thorough background check that includes: FBI fingerprinting, PA Child Abuse, and employment. We are proud ESU is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on President Long's 10-point plan, click here: https://www.esu.edu/president/10-action-plan.cfm

Job Types: Temporary, Full-time

Pay: $41,917.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• East Stroudsburg, PA 18301: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Molecular biology: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person