Microbiologist I

ASRT, Inc.•Atlanta, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

ASRT, Inc. is seeking a full-time Microbiologist I to provide technical support for molecular and serological diagnosis of pertussis and diphtheria. The role is assigned to the Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases (MVPDB) at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the CDC in Atlanta, GA. The successful candidate will support laboratory technical services including molecular and serologic diagnosis, molecular subtyping, and genomic and proteomic analysis of pertussis and diphtheria etiologic agents.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent.
Research experience involving the use of molecular and immunological methods such as the preparation and handling of nucleic acid samples, real-time PCR, ELISA, and other standard laboratory methods.
Organizational skills demonstrating high attention to detail and the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
Documentation of daily work with good laboratory practice.
Knowledge of biosafety requirements for research being performed.
Experience working with Microsoft Office, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong interpersonal skills required for team work and interaction with people across CDC and with external partners.
Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident or have authorization for employment in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing real-time PCR or ELISA based in vitro diagnostic assays.
Experience writing project reports, research protocols and manuscripts.
Ability to synthesize new ideas for project research.
Familiar with the different bioinformatics software used in the Meningitis Laboratory for data analysis and interpretation.

Responsibilities

Provide laboratory technical support services for molecular and serologic diagnosis, molecular subtyping including genome-based typing systems, and genomic and proteomic analysis of pertussis and diphtheria etiologic agents.
Perform laboratory analyses such as real-time PCR, DNA sequencing, genome-based typing systems and immunologic assays, including conventional and electro chemiluminescent ELISAs, Luminex bead-based assays, western blots, etc.
Collaborate on the development and validation of novel diagnostic and molecular typing techniques for Bordetella and Corynebacterium species.
Assist in providing support to other areas of the PDL Team (data analysis, specimen management).
Perform assays as needed during pertussis and diphtheria outbreak responses or special requests.
Collaborate closely with other epidemiologists/coordinators in other CDC and MVPDB domestic and international programs.
Support development and validation of diagnostics tests, molecular typing systems including advanced molecular detection techniques (genomics, transcriptomes, proteomes), and laboratory diagnosis support during outbreak responses.
Perform a variety of lab experiments in support of research programs and projects of PDL. Responsibilities will include ability to follow laboratory protocols and conduct microbiological, serological, antibiotic resistance, and molecular biology procedures to accomplish laboratory research goals.
Assist in performing domestic and international laboratory training to support surveillance as well as clinical validation of laboratory tests related to the diagnosis of these diseases.
Perform inventory management as well as ordering and distribution of panels for proficiency testing if requested.
Ensure Compliance with Laboratory Safety procedures and regulations, Quality Management System (QMS) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations and maintain assigned laboratory areas, equipment and protocols in compliance with local and federal requirements for quality, safety and security.
Assist in the accessioning, maintenance and database management of clinical and non-clinical specimens to support studies of vaccines and diagnostics for a range of vaccine preventable diseases including pertussis.
Assist in the development and optimization of in vitro assays to measure biological responses to vaccination and infection in human or animal specimens.
Maintenance of eukaryotic cell cultures and cell lines; preparation of cell banks and working cell stocks, and cell plates.
Receive training for a variety of techniques and participate in research projects.
Management and coordination of a variety of special projects (domestic and global) within the branch.
Participate in collaborative studies, training and QC/QA programs designed to promote technology transfer of diagnostic assays and harmonization among laboratories.
Collaborate on the development and validation of novel diagnostic and typing techniques for Bordetella species.
Assist in providing support to other areas of the pertussis and diphtheria laboratory team (data analysis, specimen management).
Perform assays as needed during pertussis outbreak response.
Comply CLIA regulations and maintains assigned laboratory areas, equipment and protocols in compliance with local and federal requirements for quality, safety and security.
Expert knowledge and ability to perform molecular and immunological methods such as polymerase nucleic acid amplification, ELISA, laboratory databases and specimen management.
Liaison between CDC and laboratory supply companies in order to verify delivery of several of equipment.
Preparation, arrangement and repair for laboratory equipment.
Keep accurate reports on contractual renewals for maintenance agreements for laboratory equipment.
Prepare service contract documents.
Review and order lab supplies for the meningitis and pertussis team.
Bacterial culture and characterization, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and bacterial molecular typing techniques such as DNA sequencing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis.
The capability of designing experiments independently, developing new assays, and troubleshooting.
Performs laboratory analyses to support efforts described in the statement of work above.
Provide support to the CDC EOC for agency response activities when the EOC is activated.
Provide support for CDC pandemic activities.