Position Summary:
As a DPH wet lab scientist, your primary responsibility will be to set up and perform routine testing for various molecular assays and genomic sequencing (i.e.: DNA/RNA extractions, DNA amplification, nucleic acid quantifications, library preparation, etc.). You will also help with validation/verification of any new testing for the detection, quantification, and characterization of specific pathogens using state-of-the-art systems and techniques. These responsibilities are pivotal for identifying potential agents of infectious disease and monitoring public health response efforts.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Laboratory Testing and Analysis: Conduct routine wet lab molecular assays and experiments including but not limited to ddPCR, RT-PCR, and library preparation for Next-Gen sequencing to identify and characterize infectious agents, pathogens, and other health-related markers.
- Sample Processing: Ensure accurate and efficient handling of biological and environmental samples (including wastewater), adhering to proper biosafety protocols, and maintaining sample integrity throughout the testing process.
- Quality Assurance: Adhere to and perform stringent quality control measures to guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of laboratory results. Adhere to standardized operating procedures and regulatory guidelines to meet the highest quality standards. Record experimental data meticulously and maintain comprehensive laboratory notebooks. Utilize laboratory information systems and data analysis tools to process, analyze, and interpret results effectively. Assist in calibrations of equipment.
- Instrumentation, Equipment, and Inventory: Operate and maintain various laboratory instruments and equipment, ensuring they are calibrated and functioning optimally. Troubleshoot technical issues and coordinate with the relevant teams for repairs and maintenance. Responsible for maintaining a current inventory of reagents, supplies, and consumables and their corresponding documentation. Provide training to laboratory personnel.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate and work with fellow scientists and laboratory technicians within other departments to ensure seamless public health testing functionality and successful outcomes.
Skills Required:
- Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques.
- Experience in assay development, optimization, and validation
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
- Attention to detail.
- Knowledge of public health principles and microbiology is advantageous.
- Effective communication abilities.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology or Microbiology or any related sciences with 2-3 years’ post-graduate experience in the same field.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Americans with Disabilities Act:
Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case by case basis in accordance with the law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or related science
- 2-3 years post-graduate wet lab experience
- Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (ddPCR, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification, library preparation)
- Experience in assay development, optimization, validation/verification
- Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing workflows and library preparation
- Knowledge and adherence to biosafety protocols and proper sample handling (including wastewater)
- Experience using Laboratory Information Systems and data analysis tools
- Ability to operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment
- Experience training laboratory personnel
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication
- Knowledge of public health principles and microbiology
What We Do
PMHCC, a not-for-profit organization, began as The Philadelphia Mental Health Care Corporation in 1987 for the City of Philadelphia in order to implement a major grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Program for Chronic Mental Illness. One of nine national grants, the funding was to assist the Philadelphia Office of Mental Health realize its vision for a unified mental health system to provide affordable housing, effective case management, and a broad range of psychosocial and vocational programs for people with mental illness. The objective included consolidating funding in a managed behavioral healthcare model. Over the years PMHCC's activities and responsibilities have broadened so that PMHCC serves as a major human services systems management company in support of several City of Philadelphia departments, while maintaining its core commitment to public behavioral health programs. Today, PMHCC makes a major contribution to Philadelphia's citizens by serving as an umbrella organization for special programs and initiatives, and providing critical administrative services to mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disabilities, human services, special health and related city offices and health programs.
