Molecular Microbiologist

About the role

We are looking for a Molecular Microbiologist in Crete, IL, USA. Your mission will be to prepare isolates, RNA and DNA, maintain process documentation to facilitate microbiological and molecular biology analysis procedures, and interpret results for final release.

Responsibilities

• Performs microbiological tests including gene sequencing, DNA subtyping analysis, MALDI-TOF for identification, and real-time PCR methods including non-commercial PCR methods (e.g., open source PCR).
• Performs literature and nucleic acid sequence searches as necessary to investigate and understand results.
• Verifies results before release to clients and reads and records analysis data to produce a report for the client.
• Corrects any discrepancies that occur and proactively contacts industry technical support to troubleshoot results or equipment issues.
• Troubleshoots data, methods, and equipment as required.
• Performs sub-culturing using proper aseptic technique and determines growth conditions for a variety of groups of microorganisms.
• Performs housekeeping duties, keeping work areas and equipment clean and sanitized, and performs standard maintenance for key pieces of equipment.
• Performs cleaning protocols for GMP and ISO 17025 laboratory workspace and maintains accurate quality control documentation of analysis procedures.
• Performs necessary tasks related to quality control parameters for the function being performed and prepares reagents, chemical solutions, and media as required.
• Interacts with other department personnel to maintain smooth flow of work and maintains knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Supports corporate quality and continuous improvement processes and supports laboratory management in the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the management system.
• Identifies departures from the management system or test procedures, documents observations in accordance with the prescribed non-conforming system, and notifies the supervisor.
• Adheres to all safety policies and performs other related tasks as needed.

Requirements

• Good knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology to accurately perform testing procedures and obtain correct results.
• Knowledge of growth conditions of a variety of microorganisms.
• Basic knowledge of food science to interpret results.
• Broad knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies to ensure a safe working environment.
• Basic chemistry knowledge to prepare media to the specification of the sample.
• Maintains knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Skills

• Analytical skills to complete analysis procedures and determine the concentration of microorganisms.
• Physical dexterity with pipetting for pipetting tasks.
• Laboratory skills obtained as a laboratory technician or similar position to perform necessary analyses.
• Oral and written communication skills to supervise departmental personnel.
• Organizational and planning skills to schedule testing and ensure analysis is completed within the specified time period.

Pay

$23/hr, Full Time

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
• Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.