Research Scientist 1

RESEARCH SCIENTIST 1, Center for Biomedical Innovation (CBI), part of the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center (SSRC), will support a J-WAFS seed grant to develop a lyophilized, single-tube, multiplex molecular diagnostic for rapid detection of waterborne viruses. Working with an interdisciplinary team, the Research Scientist will integrate reverse transcription–recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) with programmable Argonaute nuclease detection to identify Norovirus and Hepatitis A virus in environmental water samples.

Responsibilities include evaluating Argonaute nucleases; developing guide DNAs and RT-RPA primers; optimizing fluorescence and lateral-flow detection; formulating and testing lyophilized reaction pellets for ambient-temperature storage; and validating assay performance in surface water, agricultural runoff, and municipal water. The scientist will assess sensitivity, stability, time-to-result, and inter-user variability; maintain experimental documentation; communicate findings; and contribute to reports, presentations, and publications.

REQUIRED: Ph.D. in biochemical or chemical engineering, biological sciences, or a related field; at least two years of relevant experience; experience developing rapid point-of-use analytical tools; hands-on experience with isothermal nucleic acid amplification, such as RT-RPA or LAMP; expertise in PCR-based methods, nucleic acid probe and guide design, and fluorescence detection; experience with RNA virus targets or viral nucleic acid standards in complex matrices; ability to work independently and collaboratively; and strong troubleshooting, organizational, documentation, and communication skills.

PREFERRED: Experience with Argonaute or CRISPR based detection, lateral-flow assays, lyophilization, environmental sample processing, waterborne pathogens, water-quality monitoring, RT-qPCR benchmarking, publications, scientific presentations, and electronic laboratory notebooks.
This one-year appointment may be extended based on performance and funding and has no supervisory responsibilities.
8/26/2026