Microbiology Technician

About the Role

Battelle's Life Science Research Group is composed of highly trained scientists and technicians, supported by state-of-the-art facilities to advance our clients' toxicology, safety pharmacology, and inhalation research programs. Our multidisciplinary, integrated approach provides critical solutions for pharmaceutical, biotech, agrichemical, industrial, and government clients, accelerating development while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

This position is a full-time opportunity located in West Jefferson, OH, sitting within Battelle's Biomedical Research Center. The role provides technical support for performing standard and complex in-vitro assays, including PCR, ELISA, and cell-based assays, as well as blood and other specimen processing. The position operates Monday through Friday with occasional overtime on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assays on samples from in vivo pathogenicity, efficacy, and toxicity studies as well as human clinical samples, including bacterial enumeration, viral assays, ELISA, PCR, nucleic acid isolation, and flow cytometry.
• Work with highly hazardous biological and toxic materials in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments.
• Contribute to the development and validation of biological assays and laboratory equipment.
• Train and guide less experienced staff on specific tasks and serve as technical co-lead on portions of studies.
• Maintain mammalian, viral, and bacterial cell cultures and perform routine blood and tissue processing.
• Prepare reagents and perform dilutions, including associated mathematical calculations.
• Set up, validate, and operate laboratory equipment and software; perform routine maintenance and calibration as needed.
• Use electronic databases for sample tracking and perform basic data manipulation in spreadsheet environments.
• Create and maintain study files in accordance with SOPs, protocols, quality requirements, and client specifications; prepare and submit files to Quality Control or Quality Assurance.
• Recognize deviations from accepted technical practices and prepare deviation reports as needed, reporting observations clearly and concisely.
• Manage laboratory supplies, including inventory, ordering, and receipt; perform waste management and operate autoclaves.
• Perform timely quality control and technical review of electronic and paper data.
• Respond appropriately to alarms and potential emergency situations.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety requirements and facility guidelines.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field plus 1 year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in the Biological Suitability Assessment Program (BSAP).
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoJ Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CDC approval to work with Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) material.
• Must be willing to work in BSL-2 and BSL-3 (biocontainment) environments and able to wear appropriate respiratory protection.
• Must be willing to be immunized with FDA-licensed vaccines and Investigational New Drugs (INDs) recommended for persons at risk of occupational exposure to biological agents.
• Must be willing to participate in random drug screening.
• Sufficiently medically fit to perform all assigned duties, including working in a laboratory while wearing appropriate respiratory equipment.
• Ability to work night, weekend, and holiday hours as needed.
• Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $22.00 – $24.00 an hour. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits, plus optional supplemental benefits.
• Compressed work schedule allowing for every other Friday off.
• Hybrid work arrangement with 60% in-office and 40% remote, dependent on team and position needs.
• Paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care, and family formation support.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 5% employer contribution and matching contributions.
• Tuition assistance for pursuing higher education.