Associate Scientist - Diagnostics

Associate Scientist - Diagnostics

Vaxxinova US is seeking an individual to join our team as an Associate Scientist – Diagnostics in Worthington, Minnesota.

At Vaxxinova US, you’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference. We offer competitive pay and benefits, opportunities for growth, and a supportive work culture.

About the role

The Associate Scientist, reporting to the Diagnostic Team Leader, is responsible for assisting and supporting; cell culture, virus isolation, bacteriology, PCR and Sequencing, in the preparation of isolates for autogenous vaccine production, within the guidelines set by regulatory agencies.

Main Responsibilities:

• Work under minimal supervision to assist with projects while maintaining a high level of process clarity with direct management
• Follow SOPS in an efficient and accurate manner
• Initiate and maintain continuous cell lines for use in virus isolation
• Produce primary cells for virus isolation
• Develop, perform, and optimize fluorescent antibody detection
• Perform viral and bacterial antigen isolation for use in autogenous products
• Receive and accession bacterial and viral clinical samples into LIMS
• Maintain updates in LIMS on status of viral and bacterial samples
• Assist in molecular laboratories as needed.
• Clean and maintain the aseptic environment; maintain cleanliness of facilities
• Assist with necessary documentation, ensuring accurate and complete information
• Maintain inventory of laboratory consumables and clinical samples
• Assist in investigation of laboratory error to identify root cause and prevent repeated errors
• Assist other departments as requested and complete other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Capabilities:

• Hands on experience in basic cell culture, virology, and/or bacteriology. Experience in virology and bacteriology preferred.
• Understanding of molecular techniques
• Familiar with the principles of veterinary microbiology
• Proficient in cell culture, viral propagation and titration Bacterial isolation and propagation
• Proficient in bacterial isolation, identification, and propagation.
• Attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Good laboratory practices; aseptic techniques
• Communications skills to effectively work with teams and across departments
• Ability to follow department written SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedure)
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and follow verbal & written instructions in English
• Ability to stand on feet for long periods of time; bending, twisting, and preforming fine motor manipulations required
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Familiarity with regulatory agencies including the USDA/CVB, C-CVB, VICH, OSHA, Federal, State, and Local Agencies is a plus

Experience/Educational Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in microbiology, virology or related field and 7+ years of relevant work experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, virology or related field and 5+ years of relevant work experience

Benefits at Vaxxinova:

We are proud to offer a generous benefit package in addition to competitive compensation. Our benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account with company match
• 401K plan with company match
• Paid time off accrual
• Holiday pay
• Company Shutdown December 25 to December 31
• Short- and long-term disability
• Company paid life insurance

About Vaxxinova

Vaxxinova provides a wide range of both autogenous and licensed vaccines combined with high-level diagnostic services, supported by strong R&D. Our focus is on livestock including cattle, poultry, swine and aqua. Vaxxinova US, formerly known as Epitopix and Newport Laboratories, is the US operating unit of Vaxxinova International, headquartered in the Netherlands. Vaxxinova US has a strong market presence making autogenous vaccines for cattle, swine, and poultry as well as a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory. Vaxxinova currently has facilities in fourteen countries including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Italy, Germany, Japan, Jordan, Norway, South Africa, Thailand, the USA, and the Netherlands. Vaxxinova is part of the family-owned EW Group, headquartered in Germany. The EW Group specializes in animal genetics, animal nutrition and animal health, operates in over 100 countries and records consistent international growth.

Recruiting Agencies

Vaxxinova US does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruiters or employment agencies in response to job postings on social media or Vaxxinova US websites. Vaxxinova US will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee relating to these unsolicited CVs. Vaxxinova US explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited CVs, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Vaxxinova US. Phone calls or emails from recruiters or employment agencies are not appreciated.