The Advanced Investigations for Microbiome Studies (AIMS) core facility seeks a microbiologist in the area of epidemiological monitoring of wastewater. The AIMS core is a facility on the campus of University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) that provides state-of-the-art microbiome services to researchers at all campuses of the University of Alaska and to the State of Alaska.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. Degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field. Experience in microbiological techniques, molecular methods, bioinformatics is required. Applicants should have a strong understanding of infectious disease surveillance, laboratory control, and safety standards, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders. Competitive institutional salary and a full benefits package provided by UAA and a grant from the State of Alaska supports this position. The position is for 3-years but can be extended with satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
The microbiologist oversees the operation and management of laboratory activities related to the detection, analysis, and reporting of infectious disease pathogens and antimicrobial resistant genes in wastewater samples. This role is for public health surveillance and is not a research-focused position. Primary duties involve ensuring adherence to safety protocols, maintaining quality control, validating new protocols and targets. The candidate will be collaborating and following directives from the Alaska Department of Health to monitor and respond to public health threats. Travel to conferences and workshops for training, collaborations with other jurisdictions, and site onboarding is required.
Potential candidates should send a cover letter (2-pg limit, 12-point font) describing the candidates experience in wastewater-based epidemiology, and a CV to Dr. Brandon Briggs (bbriggs6@alaska.edu). Screening of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool is established.