This position is to fill a need within our Microbiology group working in our Lexington, MA location. The individual filling this role will be responsible for providing expertise in the areas of bacterial physiology and molecular biology. The candidate will provide the lead technical role in construction of novel bacterial strains and the cultivation of clinically relevant pathogenic organisms. The individual will work with the T2 Microbiology staff to refine established protocols and develop methods to enable production of test samples for development of novel assays in conjunction with the Assay Development group. This role consists of hands-on execution in the laboratory as well a leadership role within the Microbiology R&D group. This position will report directly to the Senior Director, Microbiology R&D.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide guidance and technical expertise to junior members of the Microbiology R&D group
• Optimize microbiological cultivation methods and processes for a broad array of microorganisms
• Develop, refine, and execute SOPs and work instructions in the execution of protocols required for verification and validation procedures
• Develop microbiological methods for titer level assignment and blood spiking to support assay development
• Develop, establish and execute processes for preparation of spiked blood samples to support assay verification and validation activities
• Contribute to other projects and initiatives as needed

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• PhD in Microbiology or Molecular Biology with 4+ years or MSc in Microbiology or Molecular Biology and 10+ years of experience.
• Technical expertise in microbiology with a strong background in bacterial physiology a plus
• Proven track recording in managing teams to successful completion of projects
• Experience in technology transfer and manufacturing procedures a plus
• Demonstrated experience in generating bacterial strains and constructs
• Excellent organizational, record keeping and communication skills
• Experience working with a broad range of clinically relevant bacterial species
• Experience working with pathogens in a BSL3 environment a plus
• Demonstrated excellence with data analyses and attention to detail
• Successful project management experience and demonstrated ability to achieve project timelines and milestones

Required Skills Required Experience

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Employee Type: Full Time

• Minimum Experience required: 2 years of supervisory experience preferred.

• MUST POSSESS A MASTER’S DEGREE IN A HUMAN SERVICES FIELD AND BE A LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS (I.E. LMHC, LICSW, LMFT, LADC 1, LCSW).  ADDITIONAL BCBA PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED.

• Bilingual [English & Spanish], Bicultural, encouraged to apply.

A MASTER’S LEVEL MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER WITH RELEVANT TRAINING AND TWO YEARS’ EXPERIENCE INCLUSIVE OF BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Conducting functional behavioral assessments (FBA) of youth with serious emotional and behavioral disturbances that include observing and analyzing behavior in settings where the behavior is naturally occurring; evaluating specific antecedent stimuli and consequences; and understanding the values, skills, and resources of those who are responsible for implementing the behavior plan, AND
• Selecting interventions and strategies based on the results of the FBA and designing behavior plans that include intensive behaviorally oriented and interventions; AND
• Evaluating progress based on both qualitative and quantitative data and making adjustments to the behavior plan as needed; AND
• Working with parents/caregivers and paraprofessional staff in homes and other community-based settings to implement behavior plans using techniques grounded in principles of positive behavior support (PBS) and/or applied behavioral analysis (ABA) with an aim toward extinguishing a wide range of challenging behaviors and increasing more socially acceptable behaviors that are age or developmental appropriate.

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Benefits:

• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid vacations
• Paid Holidays & 8 discretionary days a year

The Gandara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Gándara Center provides residential, mental health, substance abuse and preventive services for children, adults and families across the Pioneer Valley and eastern parts of Massachusetts. Founded in the Hispanic community, we value cultural diversity and strive to provide culturally competent, innovative services to a diverse community.

*NOTE: STAY-ON BONUS IS AWARDED AT 3RD AND 6TH MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN GOOD PERFORMANCE STANDING. HIRING AND STAY-ON INCENTIVES ARE SUBJECT TO REVIEW/CHANGE AT AGENCY'S DISCRETION. THIS PROGRAM RUNS FROM JUNE 10 - JULY 31, 2021. MUST BE NEW EMPLOYEE.

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