Research Technologist III - Valley Fever Center for Excellence

The Research Technologist III will perform their role in the Keating Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facility and act as a fungal laboratory researcher for the Valley Fever Center for Excellence. In the BSL3 environment, the employee will have supervisory duties over the use and maintenance of this research space and ensure that other researchers are using the space appropriately and safely. The BSL3 laboratory is a restricted-access area due to the inherent safety risks presented by the pathogens used in this area. Only those with sufficient knowledge and capabilities to function appropriately (use of correct PPE and respirators, proper use of engineered safety controls, appropriate entry and exit procedures, adherence to occupational health program requirements) in this environment are allowed entry. The employee will be responsible for advising and guiding the other workers in this space as they develop their projects, research systems, and other processes to be carried out in the BSL3 environment. They will create appropriate protocols and ensure they are adhered to, provide expertise on technical, procedural, and equipment issues that may arise in this workspace, and oversee the general operations of this facility. The incumbent will have experience researching the pathogens Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii to develop preventative vaccines and diagnostic tests for coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever).

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please click here.

• Perform research on Coccidioides spp. on behalf of VFCE Researchers:
• Maintain, use, transfer and destroy C. posadasii and C. immitis in accordance with applicable regulations and policies and be responsible for all strains utilized in the laboratory.
• Perform research functions utilizing specialized instrumentation suitable only for Coccidioides spp. specifically in the BSL3 environment.
• Provide expert guidance (from previous experience with plant and fungal pathogens) on use and adaptation of BSL3 research equipment and resources for Coccidioides spp. and similar pathogens.
• Maintain detailed records of information necessary for complete accounting of all laboratory activities, performance reviews/checks, and equipment surveys related to C. posadasii and C. immitis research.
• Perform critical support functions for multiple projects requiring growth of Coccidioides spp. - including safely shipping materials to collaborating investigators.
• Develop and update protocols including new techniques or changes in supplies or reagents that will increase efficacy without compromising personnel safety as appropriate for research with C. posadasii and C. immitis.
• Develop new SOPs as appropriate.

Maintain a functional BSL3 laboratory space:

• Fashions, operates and maintains laboratory and experimental equipment such as autoclaves, incubators, microscopes, centrifuges, and analytical balances; responsible for identification of need for calibration and/or repairs of restricted and sophisticated BSL3 inventory and equipment as needed.

• Identifies need for and executes modification of BSL3 laboratory processes or facility adaptations with respect to equipment use for handling, growing, harvesting, and maintaining an overall safe system/method to work with fungal pathogens, including Coccidioides spp.
• Coordinates and sets up annual certification of hoods and major equipment within the BSL3 Laboratory and maintains records of equipment certifications.
• Modifies, adapts or varies standard protocols and SOPs to meet the needs of the research team and improve tests that are unsatisfactory.
• Assists faculty researchers in the planning and designing of research projects, establishing priorities and recommending schedules and timetables as they affect research space within the BSL3 Laboratory.
• Assists in procuring necessary laboratory supplies and research equipment, and provides expertise on use of relevant equipment, their respective protocols, and how to integrate them into a functional research system.

Coordinate record keeping of appropriate use of BSL3 laboratory space:

• Responsible for the annual review of the VFCE laboratory records with the UA Responsible Official.

• Responsible for all documentation of transfers and uses of Coccidioides spp., the annual safety and security laboratory review, and maintaining training records of all authorized VFCE BSL3 laboratory personnel and to make sure records are stored securely, yet readily available.
• Creates and manages databases for studies which include setting up databases and associated data entry programs and retrieving data from databases for purposes of analyses or data review.
• Maintains records for possession of Coccidioides spp. including an internal inventory.
• Interact with Federal and institutional inspectors.

Training and oversight of employees using BSL3 laboratory space:

• Responsible for the initial training of all certified VFCE BSL3 Laboratory personnel in the area of working procedures and laboratory techniques.

• Supervise, monitor and coordinate work within the limited space and equipment of the BSL3 Laboratory.
• Responsible for insuring SOPs, protocols, and laboratory procedures stated within the BIO5 BSL3 Biosafety and Security Manual are being followed by laboratory personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of working with Coccidioides spp., bonus if actual previous work experience with Coccidioides spp.
• Adept in requirements and safety protocols essential for management of a BSL3 laboratory.
• Knowledge of modern research methods, data collection and analysis and skill in their application.
• Understanding of the mechanisms and life cycle of C. posadasii and C. immitis.
• Skill in coordinating and training the work of others.
• Ability to effectively communicate.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating data.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Masters Graduate level education in plant pathology or a similar field.
• Experience working with C. posadasii and C. immitis and other fungal pathogens.
• Knowledge and understanding of the impact of fungal diseases on Arizona.
• Has received approval to safely work with Coccidioides spp.
• Prolonged and relevant training or experience in a BSL3 laboratory setting; has an in-depth knowledge of the demands of this restricted and challenging environment.