Laboratory Technician 4 - Bacteriology Support

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

Come join a company that strives for Extraordinary People and Exceptional Performance ! Chenega Professional Technical Services, LLC. , a Chenega Professional Services ’ company, is looking for a Laboratory Technician 4 - Bacteriology Support. This role provides critical laboratory and technical support for molecular microbiological experiments focused on bacterial virulence and medical countermeasures. The Laboratory Technician will work in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories, supporting animal protocols, conducting a wide range of assays, preparing reagents, managing laboratory inventory, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. 

Our company offers employees the opportunity to join a team where there is a robust employee benefits program, management engagement, quality leadership, an atmosphere of teamwork, recognition for performance, and promotion opportunities. We actively strive to channel our highly engaged employee’s knowledge, critical thinking, and determination to innovate scalable solutions for our clients. 

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead/PI in molecular microbiological experiments related to bacterial virulence.
• Support animal protocols conducted by other investigators.
• Complete screening assays for medical countermeasures against bacterial threat agents (e.g., Yersinia pestis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Francisella tularensis) at BSL-2 and BSL-3, including retesting as needed.
• Prepare laboratory reagents/media (e.g., R Medium, DMEM/FBS, LB Broth, selective agar).
• Isolate and purify plasmid DNA specimens.
• Order laboratory supplies and equipment for BSL-2 and BSL-3 labs.
• Perform molecular assays (PCR, agarose gels, sequencing, plasmid/chromosomal DNA preps).
• Conduct microscopic assays.
• Execute cell biology/biochemical/microbiological tasks (e.g., protein gel electrophoresis, western blot, macrophage cell line growth, live/dead cell determinations).
• Organize and maintain data from immunological and microbiological studies.
• Manage laboratory equipment and hand receipt items.
• Assist in animal challenges and bacterial challenge preparations, including complex pathogenesis studies.
• Perform animal injections and observations.
• Complete bacterial burden assessments in organ tissue.
• Conduct macrophage phagocytosis assays.
• Prepare cloning plasmids, sequencing reactions, and plasmid preparations.
• Perform BSL-3 live/dead assays.
• Process protein and western gels.
• Place orders for supplies and equipment.
• Review relevant scientific literature as needed.
• Serve as a training representative for BSL-2 laboratory skills (as needed).
• Conduct equipment inventory management and monthly laboratory management, including safety and chemical inventory.
• Maintain CS-PRP and BPRP enrollment per contract and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Experience working in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments.
• Proficiency in molecular and microbiological techniques (e.g., PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing, plasmid prep).
• Experience with animal handling, injections, and observations in a laboratory setting.
• Strong organizational skills for data management and inventory control.
• Ability to prepare laboratory reagents and media.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
• Eligibility and willingness to enroll and maintain CS-PRP and BPRP certifications as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with bacterial threat agents or high-containment laboratory work preferred.
• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific discipline is preferred.
• Experience training others in laboratory techniques preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to secure and maintain security clearance and enrollment in the Bio-surety Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP).
• Demonstrated ability to review and synthesize scientific literature.
• Experience with laboratory equipment management and procurement.
• Attention to detail; accurate record keeping; willingness to work in high containment laboratories.
• Ability to plan, troubleshoot, and execute laboratory studies and equipment in a highly regulated environment.
• Ability to work in a matrixed, team-oriented environment involving multiple projects.