Lab Technician III

Cherokee Federal•Frederick, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is seeking a Laboratory Technician III to support the Biodefense Reference Material Repository (BRMR) within the Diagnostic Systems Division (DSD). This role focuses on laboratory operations, ISO-compliant processes, and the production of reference materials used across Department of Defense laboratories. This position is ideal for a technically strong laboratory professional who is comfortable working in regulated and high-containment environments and is looking to continue developing their expertise in biodefense and diagnostic support. As required by our governmental client, this position requires an active secret clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain an active secret clearance to qualify.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field
2–5 years of experience in microbiology, virology, or a regulated laboratory environment
Experience working in a laboratory environment with biological materials
Familiarity with regulated laboratory environments (ISO, GMP, or similar)
Strong attention to detail and documentation skills
Ability to follow strict safety, security, and compliance protocols
Ability to work independently and resolve problems without constant supervision
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal
Must be able to obtain and maintain BPRP (Biological Personnel Reliability Program) certification
Ability to work in high-containment laboratory environments and meet associated medical and security requirements
Ability to support occasional travel, as required

Nice To Haves

Experience working in high-containment laboratories (BSL-2/3; BSL-4 exposure a plus)
Experience working with viral agents
Familiarity with ISO 17025 and/or 17034 standards
Prior experience supporting federal laboratory environments (DoD, CDC, or similar)
Candidates must be comfortable working in high-containment laboratory environments and adhering to strict biosafety and security protocols

Responsibilities

Safely work with infectious agents and biological select agents and toxins (BSAT) in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory environments, with a focus on viral work
Learn, apply, and maintain competency in ISO-compliant laboratory procedures within the BRMR
Support the production and characterization of accredited reference materials
Prepare viable and non-viable biological samples for distribution to DoD laboratories for diagnostic, training, and proficiency testing purposes
Accurately complete, file, and peer review laboratory documentation, including production records and lab notes
Maintain organized and up-to-date laboratory records and internal databases
Support internal audits related to ISO 17025 and 17034 standards and contribute to process improvement efforts
Cross-train across laboratory functions to support broader division research and operational needs
Assist in the preparation of technical reports, SOPs, and documentation as needed
Maintain a clean, safe, and secure laboratory environment in accordance with established protocols