Biology Technician III

Akima, LLC•Madison, OH

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Biology Technician will support the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) in advancing wildlife health science for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. This position provides critical laboratory support for wildlife disease surveillance, detection, research, and prevention activities. Working collaboratively with government scientists and laboratory personnel, the Biology Tech will generate scientific data, perform laboratory analyses, maintain laboratory operations, and contribute to disease investigations that protect public health, agricultural interests, and wildlife populations. The successful candidate will work independently within established protocols and quality standards while supporting diagnostic testing, research initiatives, and laboratory modernization efforts.

Requirements

Must be a US Citizen able to obtain and maintain a Department of Interior PIV card (note: this can take up to 30 days from offer).
High School diploma.
Minimum of 1-2 years of work-related experience in laboratory setting (classwork or school experience not applicable).
Experience working in a laboratory environment performing biological, microbiological, or diagnostic procedures.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, quality assurance procedures, and scientific recordkeeping.
Experience operating standard laboratory equipment and instruments.
Ability to follow detailed procedures, SOPs, and established laboratory protocols.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Able to bend, walk and tolerate moderate amounts of physical exertion in a laboratory environment, manual dexterity
A Driver’s License will be required for local travel.
Some travel may be required to support program tasks, such as occasional attendance at professional society meetings, trainings/workshops, or to travel to pick up or drop off samples.

Responsibilities

Prepare media and reagents for diagnostic workflows.
Culture cell tissues to support diagnostic testing.
Operate laboratory equipment (balances, centrifuges, microscopes, incubators, shakers, & pipettes).
Maintain rigorous laboratory hygiene.
Monitor and maintain scientific equipment.
Order laboratory supplies including PPE, reagents, and compressed gases.
Follow and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for compliance and quality assurance.
Contribute to laboratory modernization efforts.
Manage and track chemical inventories.
Support diagnostic courier duties to ensure efficient sample transportation to and from partners.
Relies on moderate level of experience and judgement, along with instructions and pre- established guidelines to perform the laboratory work.
Adhere to guidelines of a Quality Management System (QMS).
Ensure all laboratory safety standards are met.