Microbiologist II

ASRT•Atlanta, GA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

ASRT, Inc. provides scientific, information management, management consulting, bioinformatics, and administrative program support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other Federal and private sector clients. The successful candidate will be a full-time employee of ASRT, Inc. and will be assigned to the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), at the CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, to provide scientific and technical support for the EDLB. The Microbiologist III will provide scientific and laboratory support to the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases (DFWED) for whole genome sequencing activities, including DNA extraction, sequencing, and data analysis, specifically related to Clostridium botulinum, and closely related anaerobic bacteria.

Requirements

Master's degree, from an accredited academic institution, in a scientific discipline related to the responsibilities of the position.
2-4 years of experience with Select Agents, genetic and/or bioinformatic analysis of bacterial genetic markers.
Familiarity with genetic manipulation and sequence analysis of bacteria
3-4 years of relevant experience in the development implementation and validation of diagnostic assays to detect and characterization of bacterial pathogens.
Experience with the development and evaluation and optimization of in vitro diagnostic assays, including immunoassays.
Experience with standard microbiological and molecular techniques.
Experience with outbreak support and consultation.
Documentation of daily work with good laboratory practice compliance.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience writing project reports, research protocols and manuscripts.
Immunizations may be required.
The candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident or have authorization for employment in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a CLIA environment.
Experience working with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and molecular techniques associated with NGS.
Experience maintaining inventory of samples using MS Excel and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Experience and knowledge of bioinformatics, bioinformatics analytical tools, microbiology, and next generation sequencing.
Proficient in the analysis, assembly, and annotation of genomic data from a variety of sequencing platforms such as Illumina and PacBio.
Experience working in a similar capacity in a Public Health setting.
Ability to work and build coalitions with partners involved, and develop strategies for effectively convey information to partners.
Ability to work independently and yet to maintain the flexibility to respond to requests for support of ongoing projects.

Responsibilities

Provides laboratory support for botulism outbreak investigations, including performing activities in compliance with CLIA regulations.
Performs conventional and/or molecular microbiologic techniques for the isolation, identification, and subtyping of enteric bacterial pathogens derived from stool, blood, or environmental samples.
Performs laboratory procedures in compliance with the Quality Management System and regulatory requirements
Maintains safe work environment and necessary inventory of supplies to maintain laboratory readiness for research and outbreak investigations
Maintains accurate records of conventional and/or molecular microbiologic testing, outbreak detection, and surveillance activities in compliance with the Quality Management System
Performs calibration and maintenance of all necessary laboratory instruments to ensure compliance with CDC's Laboratory Quality Management Systems
Ensures that incoming specimens are processed and triaged maintaining "chain-of-custody."
Assists with outbreak response activities during national and international foodborne disease outbreaks
Fulfills mandatory BioSafety and IT security training requirements
Provides laboratory support for botulism outbreak investigations, including performing activities in compliance with CLIA and select agents regulations.
Routinely performs standardized laboratory methods for detection of botulinum toxin in clinical and food specimens, and identification and characterization of bacteria that produce botulinum toxin.
Effectively communicates and coordinates with others regarding work tasks and plans in order to accomplish unit, team and branch objectives.
Shares work progress and problems encountered with others in a timely manner.
Provide training to enhance the capacity of the local/international public health sector; provide outbreak response analysis efforts during national and international foodborne disease outbreaks; present findings at scientific meetings (not conferences) – Integrated Conference Approval Portal is required before any presentations on the findings are conducted at any scientific meetings.