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The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

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Sheila Champlin – (901) 448-4957 or

Dena Owens – (901) 448-4072

 

 

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s New

Regional Biocontainment Laboratory

Means More Jobs for Memphis

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Memphis, Tenn. (June 24, 2009) –  This week’s grand opening of the new Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) on the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) campus means more job opportunities for Memphians skilled in biomedical research and technology.  Researchers, technicians, lab assistants, facilities support personnel and administrators will work in the 30,315, square foot building, working to fight naturally occurring infectious diseases and to protect citizens against bioterrorist attacks.  Each position created by the RBL will require unique training and Mid-Southerners should prepare now. 

Memphians of all ages interested in science can become a part of the immense UTHSC research enterprise by honing their skills in scientific studies and technology.  "Science and technology courses at college and graduate school levels can prepare individuals for solid careers in biomedical research and technology," said UTHSC Chancellor Hershel P. Wall, MD.  "Now is the time for high school students to plan ahead by taking as many classes as possible in biology, chemistry and computer technology.  We are actively informing local students that career opportunities will be available for those who are ready for the new biomedical and biotechnology era."

“Initially, we plan to hire about 120 research and trade professionals over the next two to three years, and that number will increase as our efforts continue,” said Gerald Byrne, PhD, UTHSC professor and chair of molecular sciences and director of the RBL.  He added, "The RBL is an important achievement for Memphis, because it opens the door for our partner hospitals, schools, higher education institutions, corporations, and citizenry to engage in biomedical research and technology, the future of science and medicine.”

The RBL’s grand opening celebration was attended by Congressman Steve Cohen, as well as representatives from the City of Memphis Office of the Mayor, the Shelby County Health Department and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The RBL is funded by the NIH and is located on the UT-Baptist Research Park, adjacent to the UT Health Science Center campus in the Memphis Medical Center.

As the flagship statewide academic health system, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is focused on a four-tier mission of education, research, clinical care and public service, all in support of a single goal: to improve the health of Tennesseans.  Offering a broad range of postgraduate training opportunities, the main campus is located in Memphis and includes six colleges: Allied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.  UTHSC has additional colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy plus an Allied Health Sciences unit in Knoxville, as well as a College of Medicine campus in Chattanooga.  For more information, visit www.uthsc.edu.

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