Microbiologist IV

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 Division of Core Laboratory Services and Response (DCLSR), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), at the CDC in Atlanta, GA.

About the role

The Microbiologist IV will provide technical and scientific support for the Biotechnology Core Facility Branch (BCFB) Laboratories within DCLSR to support Genomic Sequencing and associated genomic analyses.

Responsibilities

• Perform and monitor genomic sequencing library preparation and analysis using robotics and Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore sequencers during laboratory surge events.
• Develop and maintain a system for tracking specimens as they are processed by the laboratory.
• Perform optical mapping analyses and associated procedures including DNA isolation and quality control.
• Monitor the maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment with internal and external partners to ensure timely completion.
• Prepare sequencing project proposals and assist with gathering quotes and market research for equipment acquisitions.
• Schedule, set up agendas, and organize meetings of the Technology Think Tank (TTT).
• Conduct process improvement initiatives and track impact over time.
• Report performance metrics on routine activities and research projects to leadership.
• Use knowledge of molecular biology to document and implement technical protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Prepare documentation for ordering laboratory reagents.
• Collect, analyze, and present laboratory performance data for review by branch chief and team leads monthly.
• Conduct informatics literature investigations of molecular technologies and their applications in infectious diseases research and public health.
• Market BCFB services to CDC investigators.
• Conduct quarterly routine customer feedback surveys.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, basic medical science, or environmental laboratory science, or 5-10 years of equivalent experience.
• Experience working in diverse research, development, and production laboratories.
• Experience working on projects from inception to completion including data presentation in scientific meetings and peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience setting up and testing/validating new state-of-the-art molecular biology and molecular assay equipment and platforms.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident or have authorization for employment in the United States.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a similar role.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality systems, cell culture, and growing/handling viruses in BSL-2/-3 environments.
• Knowledge of molecular biology/virology, development, and production, molecular biology equipment and platforms.
• Knowledge of quality systems and scientific processes of PCR, pyrosequencing, and DNA/RNA/Protein-based assays.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance, calibration, validation, and basic statistical analyses of errors in measurements.
• Knowledge of biological safety requirements, handling of clinical specimens, and aseptic techniques; knowledge of techniques in molecular virology and molecular biology; working knowledge of bacterial molecular and cellular biology.