Job: R&D Scientist I

Requisition Number 09-0624
Post Date 7/1/2009
Title R&D Scientist I
City Salt Lake City
State UT

GENERAL FUNCTION:


This individual will research, organize and implement new assays as well as improve current testing under the direction of the Medical Director. This position is more senior than the Specialist position and functions with less formal directing and more autonomy.


REPORTING FUNCTION:


This individual reports to the Group Manager of R & D for administrative responsibilities and the relevant medical Director for technical direction. Both Group Manager and Medical Director are responsible for professional development. This position is expected to provide mentorship to other members of the relevant group.


REPRESENTATIVE ACTIVITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:


1. Development of new assays with Medical Director review (less supervision the Specialist):

a) Select methods and reagents for assays not currently offered by the section.

b) Assess performance characteristics of new methods.

c) Develop Quality Control systems for new test methods.

d) Write technical procedures and supply cost accounting for new methods.

e) Supply cost accounting for new methods.

f) Develop training program for implementation of new methods into the department.


2. Improving existing assays:

a) Develop modifications for current procedures in order to improve cost and/or labor efficiency.

b) Perform literature review to adequately obtain and access all options for assay improvement.


1. Academic Activities:

a) This position requires formal presentations of research results at regular lab meetings, ARUP seminars and professional meetings.

b) The position requires organizing data, drawing conclusions and assembling those in written format for publication in peer reviewed journals. The position requires submission oat at least one peer reviewed manuscript as lead author each year.


The ideal candidate would have significant microbiology and molecular biology experience (PhD or MS), be an independent thinker, have excellent communication skills (especially written), and clinical laboratory work and/or test development experience would be desirable.

Education/Credentials

Ph.D. in an appropriate technical discipline.

Note: Those employees who were at ARUP prior to January 1, 2003 are eligible to move to this position in a career track with a BS degree and the relevant experience and academic productivity outlined below.

Experience
There is a minimum requirement of four years experience in research position at ARUP or six years in R & D outside of ARUP. However, advanced academic training or comparable experience in clinical lab setting will be considered. Eligibility within ARUP requires time in position plus at least three peer reviewed publications as lead author. Additionally, there must be at least four formal presentations at professional meetings outside of ARUP as well as positive performance reviews. Candidates hired outside of ARUP must have a demonstrated history in academic productivity that would include at least eight abstract/poster presentations at professional meetings or five publications as lead author in peer reviewed journals.


Physical and other requirements:

Must have the physical, cognitive and mental abilities to accomplish skills listed above.