Microbiologist II - Molecular Biology

Description

Overview

Tanaq Management Services (TMS) delivers professional, scientific, and technical services and information technology (IT) solutions to federal agencies in the health, agriculture, technology, and other government services. TMS is a subsidiary of the St. George Tanaq Corporation, an Alaskan Native Corporation (ANC) committed to serving Federal customers while also giving back to the Tanaq native community and shareholders.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Microbiologist II – Molecular Biology to support public health laboratory research and surveillance. This position requires a master’s degree and hands-on experience with advanced molecular biology techniques, including cloning, subcloning, PCR cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and construct design, or experience developing stable or knockout cell lines.

The Microbiologist II will support laboratory projects involving post-vaccine monitoring, clinical sample evaluation, infectious disease research, molecular epidemiology, and surveillance. Working with a multidisciplinary team, this role will develop and implement complex laboratory procedures, perform quality control activities, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide programmatic guidance in support of public health research.

This is a fully onsite position at our customer's location in Atlanta, Georgia.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory project aims.
• Assist with the development and implementation of new laboratory procedures.
• Train and mentor junior team members.
• Ensure quality control measures are followed to a high level of accuracy.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Be familiar and ensure program agreement with the latest scientific advances.
• Support conventional and molecular microbiologic techniques for the isolation, identification, and subtyping of pathogens.
• Ensure samples for sequencing and metagenomic analysis, including extraction and library prep are handled according to SOPs.
• Develop and/or validate experimental procedures.
• Meet with other staff and SME/project leads at least bi-weekly to discuss testing results and plans.
• Ensure experiments and equipment maintenance are in compliance with the CLIA and QMS.
• Ensure molecular diagnostic reagents (PCR and sequencing) and QA/QC (proficiency testing program) are developed
• Collaborate on genetic analysis projects and studies with various internal and external partners.
• Analyze results of assays, ensuring quality controls are maintained during testing.
• Validate project experimental results.
• Ensure project remains within the scope of work.
• Assist with finalizing written documents, reports, and analyses of various scientific projects and programs by creating drafts, editing, and/or reviewing final products.
• Verify incoming specimen processing, inventory, and “chain of custody” requirements are met as determined by Lab Coordinators.
• Prepare written protocols and documents according to QMS guidelines.
• Analyze data from scientific projects and programs using appropriate programs (e.g., Excel, BLAST, etc.)
• Provide a weekly project update to client and/or program management.

Requirements

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 2-3 years of laboratory experience with molecular biological laboratory procedures and methods, especially hands-on experience in cloning, sub-cloning, cloning PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, construct design. Alternatively, possess hands-on experience in stable cell line or knock-out cell line development.
• Experience conducting research that involves preparation and handling of nucleic acid samples, real-time PCR, ELISA, etc.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) preferred.
• Experience in laboratory diagnosis of viral infections preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory principles and standard methods.
• Experience analyzing data from scientific projects and programs using appropriate programs (e.g., Excel, BLAST, etc.)
• Experience assisting with specimen accessioning, scanning, and uploading documents into the electronic laboratory management system (ELIMS).
• Experience writing project reports, research protocols and manuscripts, with the ability to synthesize new research ideas for project research preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, required.
• Experience working at CDC or in a public health setting preferred.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective organization skills.
• Ability to obtain necessary immunizations, including Hepatitis B among others.
• Ability to obtain a government clearance.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Education and Training

• Master’s degree in virology, microbiology, biology, or closely related field required; Ph.D. degree preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to obtain necessary immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases relevant to laboratory placement, including Hepatitis B, among others.
• Ability to obtain respiratory clearance and fit testing may be required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May need to lift 25 pounds regularly.
• Must be able to work with hazardous chemicals and potentially infectious biological agents.
• Must be physically capable of performing repetitive motions such as pipetting and operating cell counters

Who We Are

Tanaq Management Services (TMS) strives to deeply understand and analyze our clients’ vision, needs, and requirements so we may provide alternative solutions, empowering them to choose the best resolution. We aim to achieve excellence by delivering on our commitments to our clients, employees, and partners.

Our Commitment to Non-Discrimination

Tanaq Management Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Tanaq complies with the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988 and E-Verify.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance completing any part of the application process, please email View email address on aiapply.co to request a reasonable accommodation. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Notice on Candidate AI Usage

Tanaq is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive interview process for all candidates based on their experience, skills and education. To ensure the integrity of the interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during phone, in person and virtual interviews is not allowed. However, candidates who require a reasonable accommodation that may involve AI are required to contact us prior to their interview at View email address on aiapply.co.

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