Microbiologist I

About the role

ASRT, Inc. provides scientific, information management, management consulting, bioinformatics, and administrative program support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other Federal and private sector clients. The successful candidate will be a full-time employee of ASRT, Inc. and will be assigned to the Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases (MVPDB), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), at the CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, to provide technical support for molecular and serological diagnosis of pertussis and diphtheria. Anticipated start date: two weeks after candidate identification. Travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide laboratory technical support services for molecular and serologic diagnosis, molecular subtyping including genome-based typing systems, and genomic and proteomic analysis of pertussis and diphtheria etiologic agents.
• Perform laboratory techniques such as real-time PCR, DNA sequencing, genome-based typing systems and immunologic assays, including conventional and electro chemiluminescent ELISAs, Luminex bead-based assays, western blots, etc.
• Collaborate on the development and validation of novel diagnostic and molecular typing techniques for Bordetella and Corynebacterium species.
• Assist in providing support to other areas of the PDL Team (data analysis, specimen management).
• Perform assays as needed during pertussis and diphtheria outbreak responses or special requests.
• Collaborate closely with other epidemiologists/coordinators in other CDC and MVPDB domestic and international programs.
• Support development and validation of diagnostics tests, molecular typing systems including advanced molecular detection techniques (genomics, transcriptomes, proteomes), and laboratory diagnosis support during outbreak responses.
• Perform a variety of lab experiments in support of research programs and projects of PDL; follow laboratory protocols and conduct microbiological, serological, antibiotic resistance, and molecular biology procedures to accomplish research goals.
• Assist in performing domestic and international laboratory training to support surveillance and clinical validation of laboratory tests related to the diagnosis of these diseases.
• Perform inventory management as well as ordering and distribution of panels for proficiency testing if requested.
• Ensure compliance with Laboratory Safety procedures and regulations, Quality Management System (QMS) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations; maintain assigned laboratory areas, equipment and protocols in compliance with local and federal requirements for quality, safety and security.
• Assist in the accessioning, maintenance and database management of clinical and non-clinical specimens to support studies of vaccines and diagnostics for a range of vaccine preventable diseases including pertussis.