Microbiologist

Responsibilities

• Develop NGS sample preparation and sequencing methods as applied to the detection and characterization of fungal pathogens, including genomics, metagenomics, and amplicon sequencing.
• Conducting library preparation and quality control, setting up NGS DNA sequencer (e.g., MiSeq) and associated equipment operation, developing molecular biology method and interacting with project scientists for troubleshooting and implementing process improvements.
• Develop and execute complex molecular biology protocols, specifically various NGS-based library preparation protocols.
• Serve as the in-house NGS expert; collaborate with bioinformaticians, internal CDC groups (i.e., Office of Advanced Molecular Detection).
• Stay up to date with technological advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing and genomic/metagenomic applications
• Write standard operating procedures.
• Inventory management; maintain an adequate inventory of supplies, reagents, etc.
• Contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist in the training of others such as, federal employees, contracting staff, fellows, as well as, external partners, such as visiting scientist and students.

  Requirements

  • Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA in Biology, Medical Technology, Microbiology, or related discipline. Required 2-4 years of research experience involving preparation and handling of nucleic acid samples, real-time PCR, ELISA, and other standard and diagnostic laboratory methods. Experience working with antifungal testing methodologies. Experience writing laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Experience coordinating on and off-site laboratory activities between multiple laboratory facilities. Familiarity with fungal names and methods for detecting and identifying fungi in clinical specimens. Experience working in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) environment. Experience working within a Quality Management System. Experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Familiarity with Oxford Nanopore long read sequencing· Software knowledge (Examples: Basespace, Microsoft Suite, MinKnow)
  • Desirable: Advanced degree in Biology, Microbiology or related discipline. Experience working in a similar capacity in a Public Health setting. Ability to work and build coalitions with partners involved, and develop strategies to effectively convey information to partners. Ability to work independently and yet maintain the flexibility to respond to stakeholder needs.