Laboratory Technician

Joint Research and Development, LLC • Orient Point, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

JRAD is seeking a Laboratory Technician providing full time onsite support at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center located on Plum Island, NY. The Laboratory Technician will assist with managing the laboratory close-out process so as to enable terminal decontamination. This is anticipated to include activities such as coordinating lab space clean-out and closures in advance of decontamination activities, assisting with the coordination of autoclave-related activities and other functions which will help render the laboratory spaces in a ready state for appropriate fumigation and decontamination. The position shall also assist with supporting the development of validated decontamination regimes and approaches (e.g., biological indicator placement oversight). Additional support may be needed to assist with presenting data and developing reports for inclusion in manuscripts and scientific publications and internal and external presentations that are generated as a result of the terminal decontamination work. Other related functions may be required, as needed. Experience and familiarity working in a BSL3 laboratory environment is preferred (preferably one in which foreign animal diseases were studied) and ancillary operational activities such as lab waste management and related processes and procedures, BSL3 entry/exit procedures, application of project management tenets such as ensuring adherence to scope and schedule and stakeholder engagement, developing and/or implementing activity checklists. In addition to federal staff/SMEs, the work will require engagement and collaboration with other contracted staff assigned to perform related, complementary activities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma with 7+ years' experience OR Associates’ Degree with 4+ years' experience OR Bachelor's Degree and 1+ years' experience.
• Strong understanding of aseptic techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with full-time residency in the United States.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Must undergo a required medical examination and vaccinations (as applicable).
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening (note that marijuana is still illegal federally, regardless of state status or medical use).
• The job requires travel to and from Orient Point, NY or Old Saybrook, CT and Plum Island aboard government-provided marine vessels.
• Must comply with all regulations related to federal facilities and work sites.
• The job requires the ability to stand for extended periods in a containment laboratory.
• This environment may require exit showering.
• The job requires the ability to sit for extended periods at a computer workstation and the capability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Due to biosecurity requirements, employees may not own or work with cloven-hoofed animals, horses, rabbits, pigs, exotic pets, or birds.
• Ability to obtain DHS Suitability and Federal Select Agent Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and familiarity working in a BSL3 laboratory environment is preferred (preferably one in which foreign animal diseases were studied) and ancillary operational activities such as lab waste management and related processes and procedures, BSL3 entry/exit procedures, application of project management tenets such as ensuring adherence to scope and schedule and stakeholder engagement, developing and/or implementing activity checklists.

Responsibilities

• Support the operation of an on-island mobile laboratory for provision of independent third-party verification/validation testing of biological and chemical indicators (SCBIs, spore strips, integrators).
• Supports receiving and processing of biological and chemical indicators as part of facility-scale decontamination activities.
• Assists scientist conducting viability assessments, authentication, and characterization procedures for biological materials.
• Assist with the preparation and/or propagation of various biological materials under aseptic conditions.
• Supports validation work and other tasks within containment areas as required.
• Accurately record experimental data in digitized data management systems.
• Translate data from notebooks and batch records into advanced databases, upon request.
• Support data integration and management.
• Assist in technology transfer between different data systems.
• Monitor laboratory equipment and report any issues to ensure proper functioning.
• Demonstrate laboratory skills following safety procedures, including the proper handling of chemicals and biological materials.
• Work collaboratively with scientists and contractor teams across multiple federal agencies.
• Communicate and coordinate with project stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Draft laboratory documentation including procedures and work instructions.
• Support the drafting of weekly, monthly, and quarterly laboratory and/or progress reports.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for unreimbursed medical & dependent day care
• Disability Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree