Microbiology Method Development Specialist

Description

The Method Development Specialist will be responsible for developing new methods utilizing the latest analytical technologies to address customer requirements and/or challenges. Additionally, the Method Development Specialist will also review and continually improve existing methods to enhance throughput, reliability, robustness, productivity, and efficiency. The Method Development Specialist will also assist with instrument troubleshooting and educate analysts on best practices, if necessary. Training key analysts on newly developed methods will be provided by the Method Development Specialist, therefore strong communication skills are required for this position.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Develop new/novel methods per request of account manager/customer feedback, including determining best possible techniques via discussions with supervisor, colleagues, and literature.
• Assist with system maintenance and troubleshooting, if needed
• Improve existing methodologies based on supervisor and analyst feedback. Mainly focusing on, but not limited to, data accuracy/precision, improvements in detection limits/sensitivity, sample prep development, and efficiency/productivity enhancements. 
• Assist supervisor in providing educational opportunities for analysts looking to expand their knowledge base
• Present technical paper/poster at conference and/or write customer focused application notes
• Train key analysts on new methodology
• Seek out new technologies to improve/enhance processes, which may also include attending national/local conferences
• Specialized areas will spend the majority of their time in their specialty, and will provide assistance in other areas during downtime (ex: Microbiology Methods Development Specialist would spend 90% of time on Microbiology, and during down time would assist in other lab methods)

Requirements

Education and Training: 

• Bachelor Degree in scientific discipline (Masters preferred)
• ISO 17025 training preferred, but will be required within the next year if missing

Knowledge and skills: 

• Advanced laboratory skills
• Advanced computer knowledge
• Advanced data analysis skills
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated
• Team-oriented
• Ability to maintain focus on key objectives
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Service-oriented attitude

Experience:

• Midwest Laboratories Level 3 laboratory experience with strong proficiency in understanding standard operating procedures and methods (7 years) preferred 
• External hires must have comparable lab experience. 
• Experience in methods development, validation, verification, and best practices according to ISO 17025 and TNI specifications preferred but can also be substituted with relevant laboratory experience.    

Physical Requirements:

• Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other office equipment
• Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the phone and in group setting
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time as necessary in the laboratory (6 or more hours)
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 15 pounds
• Physical dexterity sufficient to move body frequently around laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Ability to continuously operate a personal computer for extended periods of time (2 or more hours)
• Mental acuity sufficient to collect and interpret data, evaluate reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgement and decisions

The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.