NIWC - Undergraduate III (Senior) - Biological Sensing and Detection Support (Task No 71-272434)

Overview

The hourly rate for this position is $18.90 and is non-negotiable.

This position is open until filled

Under direction, incumbents must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work.

Provide technical and/or analytical support in the field of biology (focus on environmental, microbiology, and molecular biology) for biological sensor test and evaluation research at the Naval Information Warfare Systems Center, Pacific (NIWC PAC). This work shall requireuse of both standardized and innovative laboratory-based test and evaluation procedures. The work shall be conducted in various chemical/biologic laboratories at NIWC PAC. The purpose of this task is to explore sensing and detection methods to enable field-forward detection and monitoring of bacteria in natural environments.

NIWC PAC is involved in a variety ofresearch projects to ultimately support the U.S warfighter. One particular area of interest is detection and sensing within marine environments. Being able to sense hazards within the marine or aquatic environments allows personnel to assess risks and respond appropriately. Conventional biological detection approaches have specifically designed recognition elements in order to target particular analytes or properties of interest; require significant design, development, and testing; and require time-consuming sample preparation or detection processes. Field deployable methodologies must allow for rapid, near real-time assessment. The contractor shall be involved in the preparation of environmental and biological samples, characterization of these samples, performance of assays to detect gene or nucleic acid targets, data analysis, and general laboratory maintenance. The contractor shall also participate in planning meetings and conference calls with project collaborators. No human or animal testing is expected with this effort.

Responsibilities

The student contractor shall provide analytical and technical support in the following areas as specified under individual task orders, to the work sponsor.

• Conducting standardized and experimental sample characterization testing using standardized methods.
• Assisting with the preparation of environmental and biological samples.
• Sample characterization using optical measurements, molecular biology measurements, and biochemical assays.
• Performing data analysis of characterization data using Microsoft Excel, image analysis and software processing (Bio-Applications, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator), and other statistical packages.
• Maintaining laboratory facilities (i.e. washing glassware, upkeep oflaboratory equipment) and test organisms/cultures generated from the experiments of the environmental microbe sensing and characterization research.
• Conducting relevant literature searches pertaining to the studies and participating in report preparation for the environmental microbe and sensing Characterization Research.
• Monthly Status Reports and Bi-Weekly Time Reports shall be in accordance with basic contract CDRL.

Qualifications

Undergraduate Student 3: Must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work. The student must be at the Senior level and have experience in 100% of the task requirements and be able to accomplish 90% of the work independently.

REQUIRED COURSE WORK:

• Microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology, environmental biology

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with modem and classical approaches for cultivation of different groups of microorganisms.
• Experience with analytical tools including High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC),Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Raman spectroscopy, quantitativepolymerase chain reaction (QPCR), Cloning and transfection, flow cytometry.
• Gene-expression experience.
• Experience with microbial physiology.
• Experience working with pathogenic and semi pathogenic microbes.
• Familiarity with computers and data processing.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• This position will require the employee to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
• Due to the regulations established by the Department of Defense, only US Citizens may qualify
• This is a student position and is limited to working 20 hours per week
• This position will remain open until filled
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.

Salary : $19