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This position is in the Department of Environmental and Global Health in the College of Public Health and Health Professions. This position provides administrative and laboratory support for Dr. Benjamin Anderson’s research projects. Duties for this position include serology, molecular diagnostics, maintaining cell lines, virus culture, lab administration, technical writing, regulatory compliance, and miscellaneous tasks.
LABORATORY ADMINISTRATION
Maintain laboratory organization, order supplies, verify equipment function, record daily freezer and refrigerator temperature reads, and update records. Other daily duties include ensuring laboratory cleanliness and the proper functioning of the laboratory. When needed, setting-up and managing additional BSL-2 laboratory for new projects, which includes equipment, supplies, maintenance and proper EHS paperwork. Keep all labs up to UF EHS, CDC, and USDA standards. This includes maintaining laboratory protocols, records, personnel, and laboratory facilities up-to-date on current rules/regulations. Each building has its own requirements and staff that need to be corresponded with to ensure compliance of regulations. Transportation and documenting of all samples that are sent to each of the laboratories is crucial.
SEROLOGY
Development and execution of serological assays, including ELISAs and PRNTs.
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
Perform PCR-based tests for the genomic nucleic acids of DNA and RNA viruses using RT-PCR to amplify genomic sequences to identify/verify viruses.
MAINTENANCE OF CULTURED CELLS
Cultivation, cryopreservation, and basic characterization of cell lines, cell strains, and primary cells. Some genetically modified cell lines may be developed. Stocks and working lots of all cell lines are properly documented and maintained for use by all members of the laboratory.
VIRUS CULTURE & MAINTENANCE
Propagation of human and animal viruses. Some viruses are propagated using BSL3 practices in a BSL2-enhanced laboratory, or in a BSL3 laboratory. The viruses are usually quantitated using plaque assays or 50% tissue culture infectious dose determinations, though some assays may have to be performed in embryonating avian eggs (chicken, duck, or turkey) or in small animal models. Examination and data collection are an important aspect of this work and may include immunochemistry, immunofluorescence, and photo documentation. Virus isolation from infected animal or human tissues or excreta is routinely done.
TECHNICAL WRITING & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
All work is performed using FDA cGLP-like or cGLP working/recording practices. Thus, accurate notebooks are mandatory. The preparation, revision, and maintenance of University of Florida IACUC, IBC, and IRB protocols will be part of this job. Writing and amending BA’s and other required EHS paperwork for all new projects is a vital task. Keeping up with constantly changing regulatory guidelines, updating SOPs & holding additional training sessions to make sure all work is completed properly using PPE & safety guidelines. Assistance with the written preparation of manuscripts and grant proposals are critical tasks.
MISCELLANEOUS TASKS
Due to the dynamic nature of the work performed by this laboratory, additional tasks may be required, including development of novel surveillance or diagnostic technologies and contribution toward new proposal development.
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