Genomics Laboratory Manager

Chenega Corporation•Frederick, MD

About The Position

Chenega Services and Federal Solutions, LLC., a Chenega Professional Services company, is hiring a Genomics Laboratory Manager to oversee logistical, operational, safety, and technical readiness for the Center for Genome Sciences laboratories. This key personnel role manages daily genomic, biosurveillance, and systems biology laboratory operations; supports next-generation sequencing and multi-omics research; maintains regulatory and biosafety compliance; trains personnel; coordinates equipment maintenance and scientific supply chains; and supports Principal Investigators carrying out sequencing protocols for Department of Defense biosurveillance and medical countermeasure missions. The manager serves as the primary point of contact for daily laboratory operations and maintains laboratory mission readiness. The role includes oversight of genomic workflows and specialized equipment, laboratory personnel training, procurement and inventory, records and SOPs, inspections and contamination control, and coordination with Government stakeholders, researchers, maintenance personnel, vendors, and partners. The position also requires maintaining Biological Personnel Reliability Program enrollment and travel CONUS or OCONUS approximately one to two times per year when required.

Requirements

Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
At least 10 years of direct biological research laboratory management experience.
Demonstrated experience managing a biological research laboratory and laboratory personnel, consistent with the Scientist 3 labor category.
Demonstrated experience with next-generation sequencing workflows and genomic laboratory operations.
Experience operating in BSL-2 laboratory environments.
Demonstrated ability to conduct and support independent research, document results, and communicate findings through technical reports, presentations, and/or peer-reviewed publications.
Experience maintaining laboratory SOPs, records, equipment readiness, inventory, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Ability to obtain and maintain BPRP enrollment and comply with applicable biosafety and biosecurity requirements.
Ability to travel CONUS or OCONUS approximately one to two times per year, as required.
Successfully pass background and drug screening.
Advanced knowledge of molecular biology, genomics, NGS workflows, nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, library preparation, and RNA/DNA quality control.
Knowledge of laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, chemical hygiene, hazardous waste management, contamination control, and regulated documentation.
Strong laboratory operations, personnel training, equipment management, inventory control, procurement, and vendor coordination skills.
Ability to independently plan and accomplish goals, exercise professional judgment, manage competing priorities, and maintain mission readiness.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including preparation of technical reports, SOPs, presentations, and training materials.
Ability to work collaboratively with Principal Investigators, scientific personnel, Government stakeholders, maintenance teams, vendors, and external partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience in BSL-3 and/or BSL-4 high-containment environments.
Experience with Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms and automated liquid handling systems.
Experience with DMLSS, GFEBS, localized LIMS, and DoD/Federal procurement processes.
Experience with DoD, CDC, Select Agent, GLP, or well-documented study compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

Manage daily operations of genomic, biosurveillance, and systems biology laboratories conducting multi-omics, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics research on high-consequence pathogens.
Perform and support NGS workflows using Illumina platforms, including iSeq, MiniSeq, MiSeq, NextSeq 2000, and NovaSeq 6000, and Oxford Nanopore platforms, including MinION and GridION.
Perform nucleic acid extraction, bioanalysis, quantitation, conventional PCR and qPCR, manual and automated library preparation, and RNA/DNA quality control using NanoDrop, Qubit, and Agilent TapeStation systems.
Operate and support automated liquid handling and sample-processing equipment, including Hamilton STAR and KingFisher systems; purify nucleic acids from inactivated viral cultures, animal tissues, and human blood samples; and assist with nucleic acid-based assay design and execution.
Serve as the primary point of contact for daily laboratory operations and maintain mission readiness of laboratory facilities.
Oversee maintenance, calibration, certification, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and emergency repair of specialized genomic equipment, automated liquid handlers, and biosafety cabinets in coordination with Government personnel and vendors.
Forecast, order, receive, track, and properly store laboratory consumables, library preparation kits, reagents, temperature-sensitive materials, and specialized supplies; maintain inventory records in approved systems such as DMLSS, GFEBS, or LIMS and manage freezer alarm response protocols.
Ensure compliance with applicable DoD, CDC, institutional, Select Agent, biosafety, biosecurity, chemical hygiene, hazardous waste, GLP, and well-documented study requirements.
Maintain and revise SOPs, risk assessments, chemical hygiene plans, capture forms, equipment documentation, sample-processing records, protocol records, and other laboratory documentation; document deviations and implement corrective actions in coordination with the Biosafety Officer.
Train and track training of new personnel and rotational staff on laboratory safety, equipment use, genomic workflows, SOP compliance, and documentation requirements.
Conduct laboratory inspections and support decontamination, cleaning, waste disposal, and contamination-control activities for laboratory spaces, benches, and biosafety cabinets.
Provide monthly status reports covering operational status, equipment downtime, procurement bottlenecks, completed maintenance, critical inventory, pending orders, and SOP updates.
Maintain laboratory records, LIMS activities, inventory tracking, data management, and DoD/Federal procurement processes to ensure continuity and shared resource availability.
Coordinate with Center for Genome Sciences leadership, Principal Investigators, internal maintenance personnel, external vendors, and partners; present work and attend meetings and training.
Cross-train and provide technical support to other Molecular Biology Division areas as needed and travel CONUS or OCONUS approximately one to two times per year when required.
Obtain and maintain Biological Personnel Reliability Program enrollment in accordance with contract and regulatory requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.