Vitalant Research Institute (VRI) located in San Francisco, is a division of Vitalant and is dedicated to research excellence in infectious disease, blood banking, and transfusion medicine. VRI is hiring a Research Associate II for the Research Operations Core; a growing, fast paced and multidisciplinary unit involved in domestic and international collaborative studies with the current focus being SARS-CoV-2 and pandemic response. This department functions both as a Reference Laboratory/Biorepository and as a Research Operations Core which leads research studies and research operations related to infectious disease and transfusion science.

This position will be responsible for clinical sample processing, cell isolations, managing associated operations, data, and documentation for large-scale multi center studies. Candidates should possess a bachelor or master’s degree in Biology, public health or a related field. Ideal candidates should have the following:

A scientific background with lab experience primarily focused on research

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Knowledge of research procedures and quality assurance

GLP/GCLP experience is encouraged

A sense of curiosity and logical troubleshooting capabilities. Must be able to work independently and is detail oriented.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs all assigned duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations. Brings compliance issues to the attention of management.
• Assists with workflow coordination.
• Utilizes advanced knowledge of clinical and research procedures and techniques, and standard equipment and/or software to generate and interpret results.
• Oversees and performs database management and performs basic to advanced statistical analysis.
• Assists with the preparation of grant documents, including coordination and analysis of data using statistical, spreadsheet, and/or graphics software needed for progress reports, abstracts, and manuscripts.
• Orders and receives supplies and performs other administrative duties, as assigned.
• Understands and adheres to institutional review board and human subjects requirements.
• Performs all other duties, at the discretion of management, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge/ Education

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent in experience and/or education required.
• Master’s degree or Medical Technologist certification preferred.
• Advanced-level knowledge of both basic and more complex research procedures, methodologies, and equipment required.
• Advanced knowledge of experimental or study design, quality control, and data interpretation required.
• Advanced knowledge of observational and clinical study designs, data collection, computer database management, quality control, and data interpretation required.
• Theoretical understanding of work being performed required.

Experience

• Four years related research experience required or Two years related research experience required with a Master’s degree or Medical Technologist certification.
• Experience in a research setting required.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Must possess exceptional oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong detail orientation, analytical ability and organization skills.
• Able to understand, follow, and give precise written and verbal directions and procedures, and perform all activities safely and accurately.
• Able to organize, prioritize and execute a variable workload.
• Must demonstrate an exceptional level of proficiency with standard equipment, computer programs, and applications.
• Able to perform work duties with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality when working with research study participants.
• Able and willing to work with hazardous material, which may include biohazards, radioisotopes, and chemicals, in compliance with health and safety guidelines and regulations.
• Able and willing to work with hazardous material, which may include biohazards, radioisotopes, and chemicals, in compliance with health and safety guidelines and regulations.
• Function independently and as a harmonious member of a team.