Laboratory Microbiologist

CDC Foundation

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The CDC Foundation is seeking a full-time microbiologist to support the development and validation of diagnostic tests for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This role involves identifying new biomarkers and developing tests that meet established target product profiles (TPPs). The microbiologist will perform laboratory tasks such as protein expression and purification, and utilize serological techniques for assay development. There is a possibility of participating in field assessments, including international travel, if funding and opportunities allow. The position is in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) subject matter experts and partners. This full-time, grant-funded position is with the CDC Foundation and assigned to the Laboratory Science and Diagnostics Branch within the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria (DPDM), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at CDC’s Roybal campus. Funding is anticipated through at least March 31, 2027.

Requirements

A PhD in microbiology, cellular biology or related biological science is required from an accredited college or university
Experience in infectious diseases assay development and evaluation is required
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with teams
Demonstrated effective diplomatic skills and the ability to work in close, supportive technical collaboration with individuals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds as well as a range of public health partners and stakeholders
Proficient use of relevant computer programs including the MS Office standard suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
Strong project management skills and ability to meet deadlines, prioritize, and stay organized
Fluency in English (speaking, reading, writing)

Nice To Haves

Minimum of one year of relevant professional, postdoctoral public health experience is preferred
Strong knowledge of laboratory safety and quality procedures, including performing risk assessments and developing standardized protocols is preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct biomarker discovery studies for a variety of NTDs using protein purification, bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques.
Work with other laboratory staff to develop biomarkers into tests. Evaluate tests for sensitivity, specificity, and other target product profile (TPP) characteristics using stored samples.
Evaluate tests developed by external partners for conformance to disease-specific TPPs.
Work with other laboratory staff to maintain inventory of stored samples, receive and ship samples from domestic and international partners as needed to have the appropriate evaluation samples.
Support training and evaluation of tests in partner laboratories, including potential travel to endemic areas.
Ensure that the full range of routine methods, procedures, techniques, and applicable quality controls are correctly conducted by referring to standard protocols.
Follow standardized protocols to ensure proper collection of data and conduct experiments and studies, making adjustments in methods and procedures and documenting as appropriate throughout the course of the project.
Contribute to development of standard operating procedures, validation plans, and validation reports for new tests for technical review and adjust as needed to receive appropriate approvals.
Apply knowledge of technical rules and procedures to document and prepare analyses and reports of findings for tests and studies.
Author or otherwise contribute to reference documents, technical papers and other resources such as manuscripts to be submitted for peer-reviewed publications.
Present findings internally as well as at national and international conferences as opportunities permit.
Travel up to 10% to participate in conferences and meetings.
Participate in additional program activities as assigned.