Lab jobs in Phoenix

I know a number of folks looking for lab jobs around Phoenix area. Below are links to a few employers' job listings where you can apply directly.

ASU: Searchable by keywords. There are a few research specialists positions available. The salaries are listed.

Caris Diagnostics: Search by Lab category

Midwestern University: Search by Arizona location - look for research technician positions.

TGen: Searchable by locations: Phoenix, Scottsdale and Flagstaff

Government jobs: USAJOBS listing narrowed down to biological sciences category in Arizona


One trick for getting the attention of the hiring PI or manager is to search the local directory for the names and numbers of someone in that lab, contact them and ask for their recommendations to the hiring manager or PI for that position. Some employers offer referral money to their employees for recommending someone good for the position. In addition, most everyone would like to help someone in search of a job, especially if you have a stellar resume. Sometimes you can learn about the position from that insider, whether it would be a good fit for you or perhaps if you are competing against an internal candidate or even if that position has already been filled. It's always good to have that inside connection.

Can Arizona become a powerhouse of biofuels?

An article by the Arizona Republic published in February of this year indicated that Arizona could become a leader in biofuels due to its sunny and dry weather, which is perfect for algae farming.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2011/02/07/20110207arizona-biofuel-industry.html

Though Arizona has a number of biofuel companies, most of these companies are using corn or non-feed stock (used oil from restaurants). So far, I have only found a handful of companies actually growing algae as a fuel alternative. I have listed the few algae farms below. If I miss any, please let me. Thanks!

Phyco Biosciences	1490 S. Price Road, Suite 302, Chandler, AZ 85286	480-522-1002
Diversified Energy	2020 W. Guadalupe Road, Suite 5, Gilbert, AZ 85233-2804	480-507-0780
Eco-Sol Group	2509 N. Campbell Ave #120, Tucson, AZ 85719	520-250-6649
Algae Biosciences Corp.	2225 N. Gemini Dr., Suite 7B-E, Flagstaff, AZ	928-240-1060
Arizona State University - Algal-based biofuels & biomaterials division of BioEnergy Dept.	BioDesign, Tempe, Arizona	480-965-2975

Break through in BioFuels

My husband, Alex, said that economy needs a revolutionary technology, like automobiles, computers, internet, or mobile phones, to jolt us out of this depression. I am hopeful that something will come along soon.

Last week, ASU made an announcement regarding a major breakthrough at Dr. Roy Curtiss' lab at the BioDesign at ASU. Along with his post-doc, Xinyao Liu, Dr. Curtiss has been able to genetically modify cyanobacteria to release fatty acids into the water when CO2 is removed from their environment. This would mean less cost in processing the bacteria for the fats that will be used as fuel.

http://asunews.asu.edu/20110526_biofuelprocess

Though it might be a while before this particular technology becomes commercially viable, I am holding out hope that biofuels may be the technology that will revolutionize the way we live and will be what Arizona needs to grow our economy.

ScienceCare

My friend, Cathie, sent me this link that profiles ScienceCare as a job resource for those in healthcare, including laboratory technician positions.

http://phoenix.jobing.com/company_profile.asp?ViewMode=c&i=44019

Thanks, Cathie.

Celgene - company to watch

At the end of June 2010, Celgene bought Abraxis Bioscience located here in Phoenix, Arizona for $2.9 billion. This was a huge deal for biotech/pharma industry in Arizona. Yesterday, Celgene announced the final results from a phase III study of ABRAXANE (acquired through Abaxis' aquisition), a drug in combination with carboplatin for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at the 2011's American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting. Though Abraxane doesn't significantly improve progession-free survival, Celgene still plans to submit a sNDA (supplemental New Drug Application) for first-line treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC.

So, why watch Celgene? For one thing, Celgene has 25 other drugs in late phase clinical trials. Most importantly, the purchase of Abraxis also gave Celgene the technology behind Abraxane, nab-driven chemotherapy. Added to this, Celgene's Phoenix location is hiring.

http://www.celgene.com/careers/pharmaceutical-us-job-openings.aspx

There are twelve positions listed since mid April, including a director of plant engineering.

The only question is: would there be skilled workers to fill these positions and support Celgene's clean lab and tight QC environment?

MedTech Needed

There is a shortage of Medical Technologists everywhere in the nation, but it is especially true in Arizona. This is due to the fact that both U of A and ASU have recently shut down their Med Tech programs. This adds to the rising demand for Med Tech in the area. Sonora Quest, the biggest reference lab in the state, has 22 openings for Medical Lab Technicians I. They are willing to accept students. If you are looking for a new career, this may be a hot one to be in.

How much would a Medical Technologist make a year? According to Salary.com, an average Med Tech in Phoenix, AZ, makes about $58,285. The low 10% averages $49,292 while the top 10% make about $67,678.

http://swz.salary.com/SalaryWizard/medical-technologist-Salary-Details-Phoenix-AZ.aspx

What does it take to be a Med Tech? This is usually a Bachelor of Applied Science degree and passing an exam to receive certifications from accrediting agencies such as ASCP, AMT and NCA.

2 New Job Postings at Ventana Roche for Senior Scientists Today

http://careers.roche.com/en/Global-Job-Search.html

Ventana Roche is located in Oro Valley, Arizona, just north of Tucson. The company makes automated histology instrument that is used in clinical labs to stain patient's tissue sample.