Research Assistant - National Infectious Diseases Biorepository

About the role

The National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) is recruiting a Research Assistant to join its CDA Research Laboratory (CRL) team and manage the National Infectious Diseases Biorepository (NIDB). NIDB is a national resource for preserving microbial specimens and materials to support public health, outbreak preparedness and infectious disease research and training. The assistant supports the Biorepository Scientific Officer (SSO) on day-to-day operations and provides secretarial support for NIDB management committees and project meetings.

Key responsibilities

• Document research documents, inventories, protocols, maintenance logs and sample processing logs
• Keep the NIDB REDCap database up to date
• Handle sample collection and storage, and ensure requestors complete forms and follow up on missing information
• Check and sign off new samples on arrival, and retrieve samples from storage freezers for dispatch
• Take meeting minutes for NIDB meetings when required
• Help develop, implement and revise standard operating procedures for NIDB
• Follow safety regulations and infection control policies
• Assist in planning laboratory logistics, workflows and documentation for new studies, and liaise with internal and external parties
• Characterize microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) in line with biosafety regulations
• Perform other duties directed by the SSO and CRL director

Required profile

• Bachelor of Science with a relevant major in biomedical science
• Bench work skills such as real-time PCR, DNA extraction, tissue handling and aseptic technique
• Prior experience with biobanks or microbiology labs is an advantage
• Enthusiastic, organized and detail-oriented; administrative and laboratory experience welcomed

Required skills

• Preferred: experience with the REDCap database
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications