Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Position Objective: Provide services as a Biologist in support of the overall functions of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Track aliquoted DNA samples in database and freezer.

• Initiate and maintain an organizational system for laboratory samples.

• Work with staff to improve overall sample workflow.

• Conduct a physical inventory of lab samples and sample paperwork.

• Assess physical needs of the lab related to sample preparation and storage such as rea-gents, freezers, computers, etc.

• Correct errors and fill in missing information relevant to samples and pedigrees.

• Plan for and attend dog shows for sample solicitation; find veterinarians for blood draw and make necessary arrangements for their attendance.

• Respond to all correspondence regarding canine sample collection.

• Isolate DNA samples from blood and tissue samples that arrive in the laboratory.

• Track and maintain database that contains all informed consent information; develop new consent forms for individual studies.

• Develop brochures, thank you and other deliverables that highlight the advances of the laboratory and requirements for sample collection.

• Maintain ongoing regular e-mail, letter, and telephone correspondence with contacts regarding laboratory advances and ongoing studies; answer questions about study eligibility, mechanics of sample collection; study progress and long-term goals.

• Prepare and send mailers for sample collection to all eligible parties for sample collection; provide consent forms, study summary sheets, tubes and addressed return mailers.

• Prepare survey instruments for long-term follow-up of study participants; initially focus on participants in bladder, soft tissue, lymphoma and skin cancer studies.

• Prepare and present PowerPoint presentations at shows and specialties highlighting the scientific advances of the laboratory and requirements for study participation.

• Work with staff to prepare grants and progress reports; write sections on study eligibility, sample collection, data management, and long-term follow-up.

• Prepare presentations for weekly laboratory meetings that detail sample collection progress and needs.

• Correspond with recognized canine support groups by preparing and sending summary statements, materials for web sites, and newsletters that further the mission of the laboratory and support groups.

• Provide information to update the Dog Genome Facebook page.

• Prepare yearly IACUC reports; update consent forms, provide census information and study summaries.

• Proof and review CVs and biosketches for laboratory personnel, to maintain NIH guidelines.

• Gather supporting documentation pertaining to the Branch’s quadrennial review.

• Process international and domestic shipping requests based on NIH and Institute guidelines.

• Develop a project studying the origins of mixed breed dogs with particular genetic disorders; generate a first paper that used next generation sequencing data to assess population structure of specific critical canids.

• Collaborate with staff on a project that involves collection, purification, and isolation of very rare DNA samples from ancient bones held in Oxford; conduct DNA isolation and analysis; bring samples to NIH for use in critical collaborations.

• Maintain SNP chip data on case/control cancer datasets.

• Independently oversee sample database transfer from collaborator and all future sample transfers directed to laboratory.

• Work with collaborators from Utrecht; bring back tumor samples; isolate DNA and RNA; prepare samples for DNA sequencing and SNP chip analysis.

• Perform SNP chip analysis on canine DNA samples.

• Serve as first author on paper demonstrating the origins of origins of mixed breed dogs.

• Contribute to authorship on relevant SNP chips and whole genome sequencing papers.

• Deliverables. Upon request, the contractor shall provide documentation evidence of any and/or all work product, including, but not limited to, the following tasks:

• Work products and documents related to inventory and organization of lab samples and sample paperwork; update information relevant to samples and pedigrees.

• Work products and documents related to sample solicitation at dog shows; find veterinarians for blood draw; respond to correspondence; isolate DNA samples; quantitate, label, and enter into the Ostrander lab database and stored at -80.

• Computer generated work including log in samples and prepare them for DNA isolation; identify future sample needs; update and maintain database with health status of donors, informed consent information; prepare survey instruments for long-term follow-up of participants; prepare PowerPoint presentations and web site information.

• Work products and documents related to developing new consent forms, brochures, thank you and other deliverables, newsletters, correspondence regarding laboratory advances and ongoing studies and new consent forms for individual studies.

• Work products and documents related to preparing and sending mailers for sample collection; provide consent forms, study summary sheets, tubes and addressed return mailers.

• Work products and documents related to preparing grants and progress reports, writing sections on sample collections, data management, and long-term follow-up; prepare presentations for weekly meetings and yearly IACUC reports.

• Work products and documents related to proofing and reviewing CVs and biosketches to maintain NIH guidelines; gather supporting documentation pertaining to the Branch’s quadrennial review; process shipping requests.

• Work products and documents related to the Branch’s quadrennial review; coordinate and complete the execution of shipping requests.

• Work products and documents related to providing information to update the Dog Genome Facebook page; develop a project studying the origins of mixed breed dogs with genetic disorders; collect, purify and isolate DNA samples from ancient bones; conduct DNA isolation and analysis; maintain SNP chip data on case/control cancer datasets.

• Work products and documents related to overseeing sample database transfers; bring back tumor samples from Utrecht; isolate DNA and RNA; prepare samples for DNA sequencing and SNP chip analysis; collaborate with staff on the preparation of papers for publication.

  Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline.

• Minimum of four (4) years of related experience.

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Out-look).

• Additional database experience.

  Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff.

• Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects.

• Ability to communicate basic scientific ideas to the general public.

• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

• Resilient personality with a high level of social skills to deal effectively and persuasively at all levels of the organization.

• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to multitask and manage time in a dynamic work environment.

  *This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.

  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at recruiting@gapsi.com . You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

  GAP Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.

Requisition ID: 6907