Biology Technician III (PCR, cloning, sequencing, and nucleic acid extraction)

Akima, LLC

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Akima Systems Engineering is hiring a Biology Tech III to perform the tasks described below and within written established guidelines. The Biology Technician role supports the National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), a U.S. Geological Survey science center focused on wildlife disease detection, control, and prevention. The position contributes to rapid identification of wildlife pathogens that may affect public health, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. Work includes assisting with necropsies, processing biological samples, performing molecular diagnostics, maintaining laboratory operations, and supporting scientific data generation. The individual collaborates closely with government scientists to produce high‑quality data, analyses, and written products that support disease investigations and surveillance programs. All work follows established scientific guidelines, standard operating procedures, and quality management standards.

Requirements

Must be a US Citizen able to obtain and maintain a Department of Interior PIV card (this can take up to 30 days from offer).
High School diploma with 1-2 years of work experience in laboratory setting
Experience performing laboratory work with moderate independence, following established protocols and scientific guidelines.
Background in wildlife biology, microbiology, molecular biology, pathology, or a related scientific discipline.
Demonstrated ability to support necropsy procedures and handle biological specimens safely and accurately.
Familiarity with SOP development, laboratory notebook maintenance, and adherence to QMS standards.
Experience with chain‑of‑custody procedures and secure specimen handling.
Proficiency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar data‑tracking tools.
Hands‑on experience with molecular techniques including PCR, real‑time PCR, cloning, sequencing, and nucleic acid extraction.
Ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
Experience culturing and preserving microorganisms.
Strong analytical skills for data evaluation, interpretation, and scientific documentation.
Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, pathologists, and technical staff.
Commitment to laboratory safety, quality assurance, and accurate scientific recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory studies of fungal pathogens, including those associated with bat white‑nose syndrome and snake fungal disease.
Provide technical support to pathologists and principal investigators during necropsy activities.
Assist with necropsies, including sample collection, submission to diagnostic laboratories, and dictation of findings.
Create, edit, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs); maintain detailed laboratory notebooks; comply with Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
Follow chain‑of‑custody procedures; receive, process, and securely maintain specimens; manage final disposition for legal cases.
Enter and track specimen data using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from receipt through final disposition.
Support histology operations as needed.
Collect, curate, and prepare biological and environmental samples for nucleic acid extraction.
Perform molecular techniques including conventional PCR, cloning, DNA sequencing, and species‑level identification of fungal strains and bat specimens.
Conduct real‑time PCR assays to detect and quantify pathogens.
Troubleshoot molecular biology methods such as PCR and related workflows.
Operate laboratory equipment including balances, centrifuges, microscopes, incubators, shakers, pipettes, thermal cyclers, and spectrophotometers.
Isolate, culture, maintain, and cryopreserve live microorganisms from clinical samples.
Assist with assembling, evaluating, and analyzing data for scientific presentations, reports, and publications.
Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, and safety standards in accordance with established guidelines.