You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Research Scientist I JR-0000566

Health Research, Inc. (HRI) contributes to the health and well-being of the people of New York State by complementing and enabling the strategic public health goals of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corporation (RPCIC), and other health-related entities.


HRI provides best-in-class resource administration for stakeholders and programs related to the work and priorities of the Department of Health and its other partners. HRI does this through the provision of knowledge, expertise, funding guidance, and fiduciary oversight of sponsored program funding for public health and research programs in concert with community partnerships.

Health Research, Inc. (HRI) offers a robust, comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

  • Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from;
  • Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit;
  • Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave;
  • Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities;
  • Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses;
  • Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally;
  • And so much more!

Job Description:

Responsibilities

Health Research, Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist I to work within the Wadsworth Center’s Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory.  The incumbent will join a growing and vibrant team of public health immunologists who are working to improve the lives of New York State residents through diagnostic serology testing and the development of novel immunology diagnostic tests to confront emerging infectious diseases.  On a day-to-day basis, the Research Scientist I will perform clinical testing of human specimens, primarily serum and cerebral spinal fluids, to determine the presence of antibodies indicative of infection with either vaccine-preventable (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella) or tickborne/mosquito-borne (e.g., Lyme Disease, West Nile virus, Powassan virus) pathogens.  The Research Scientist I will utilize Good Laboratory Practices in testing while learning and utilizing modern immunology testing methods such as ELISA, and Luminex™ tests. These methods will also be used to develop new tests to respond to emerging diseases.  In the past, the Laboratory has been a national leader in developing novel serology tests to combat the Zika, SARS-CoV-2, and mpox outbreaks and it is expected that the Research Scientist will contribute to the effort to meet future outbreaks. The Research Scientist will contribute to all functions of the Laboratory, including sample accessioning, clinical testing, maintaining quality assurance standards, applied research/assay development, and communicating results to the public.  

This position will be part of a dynamic team serving the Wadsworth Center’s mission in the New York State Department of Health’s efforts to protect and promote the health of New York’s citizens. Come be a part of Science in the Pursuit of Health®!

Minimum Qualifications 

Bachelor's degree in immunology, biology, medical laboratory science or a related field, and two years of research experience; OR a Master’s degree in a related field and one year of research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Recent (within the past three years) experience in a laboratory setting, a clinical laboratory is preferred.  Recent experience in applied or clinical immunology, serology, or clinical sciences testing. Familiarity or direct experience with standard immunology techniques (ELISA, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry). Experience with Luminex-based fluorescence methodology.

Conditions of Employment

Grant funded position. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required. 

Travel, up to 25% of the time, will be required. 

This position requires that the incumbent will report to the official work location and live within commuting distance to the official work location. Telecommuting will be unavailable.

Exposure to potentially hazardous substances may be involved with this position. Therefore, the incumbent in this position may be required to wear personal protective clothing and equipment including but not limited to a lab coat, gloves, and face shield.

This position may require the incumbent to occasionally work on weekends, after-hours, and holidays. 

HRI participates in the E-Verify Program.  


HRI has a long-standing dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce. HRI is committed to the principle of non-discrimination in all phases of its employment procedures and practices.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Qualified Individuals with Disabilities/Qualified Protected Veterans

www.healthresearch.org