"Lab Analyst - Infectious Disease Institute"

Job Overview

The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), a premier interdisciplinary research institute within the Enterprise for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge (ERIK), seeks a motivated, results-driven, and customer-focused Laboratory Research Operations Analyst 1 (Lab Analyst) for the IDI Genomics and Microbiology Solutions Laboratory (IDI-GEMS). IDI-GEMS is comprehensive, fee-for-service laboratory (i.e., an earnings operation) and includes multiple service areas to strategically support both internal and external infectious disease communities. Current services include next-generation sequencing using Illumina NextSeq 2000 instruments; a bioinformatics and microbiome platform in partnership with the Center of Microbiome Science; tick-borne pathogen testing through Buckeye Tick Test; and the Bacillus Genetic Stock Center (BGSC), home to more than 10,000 Bacillus strains and the only academic center of its kind in the world. The IDI-GEMS customer base spans academic, government, and industry clients, both domestic and international.

The Lab Analyst will primarily support operations in the Buckeye Tick Test laboratory and the sequencing laboratory, while also performing sequencing service and BGSC duties to ensure flexible coverage and integrated workflow support. Beyond laboratory duties, this position will play an active role in outreach by helping coordinate and participate in educational events that raise public awareness about ticks in Ohio, tick safety and prevention, and the importance of tick testing (including promotion of the Buckeye Tick Test). The individual may also attend scientific conferences as part of their professional activities.

As a key member of an agile, dynamic, and high-performing lab team, the successful candidate will utilize well-developed lab skills, effective time-management skills, and superior customer service skills to perform all job functions to ensure successful experiences for all lab clients and key stakeholders, both internal and external. The Lab Analyst will embrace change and shifting priorities, cross-training, continuous quality improvement practices, and will apply the highest ethical standards to advance a culture of operational excellence. All IDI‘GEMS staff are expected to contribute to revenue growth, operational efficiency, and the financial sustainability of the earnings operation, while ensuring compliance in all facets of the work. All IDI-GEMS staff are expected to attend and assist with various IDI events and to gain an understanding of the IDI organizational structure (IDI leadership and thematic programs), and to contribute to the IDI mission, vision, and goals.

Successful candidates must demonstrate alignment with Ohio States and IDIs core values and uphold the highest ethical standards. All work must comply with IDI and Ohio State policies, as well as applicable external regulations and laws.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in relevant field (e.g., entomology, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience using lab equipment.
• Sample extraction and pipetting experience.
• Experience working in biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) or 2 level (BSL-2) lab.
• ability to gain experience and understanding utilizing Illumina sequencing instruments and associated protocols.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate degree in relevant field (e.g., entomology, genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry).
• qPCR experience.
• Experience with tick identification and knowledge of tick species in Ohio and their associated pathogens.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems.
• Experience developing lab standard operating procedures.
• Experience organizing outreach program and events.

Application Materials

• A resume is required.

Ohio State will not sponsor applicants for a work visa for this position.

The offered salary for this position will be based on internal equity, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications.

This is an hourly paid, term position (13 years), with the exact duration contingent upon performance and available financial resources.

Work Location and Schedule

This position requires in-person work; remote work or a hybrid schedule is not applicable.

The position may require work weeks exceeding 40 hours and the daily schedule will be determined by the IDI-GEMS co-directors; Hours in excess of 40 must be pre-approved by the supervisor, and the universitys overtime policy will be applicable. In addition, the universitys differential pay policy may be applicable. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities with little notice are essential.

The position involves work in laboratory environments at BSL-1 or BSL-2 containment levels. Work may require separate locations on campus; therefore, walking between lab locations will likely be required. Candidates should expect long periods of standing and possible eye strain from periods of viewing samples under a microscope.

ERIK Overview

Join the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit https://erik.osu.edu/.