Microbiologist III

Tanaq Management Services LLC•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Microbiologist III to lead our team of experts in public health for our Federal Government customer. The successful candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology and laboratory techniques and will be able to manage a team of professionals from various backgrounds supporting one mission. The ideal candidate will also have supervisory and project management experience. The position will involve supporting a variety of laboratory projects, including the development of new vaccines, the study of infectious diseases, molecular epidemiology, and surveillance. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with various agencies and contribute to important research that is making a difference in the fight against disease. A Microbiologist III is responsible for performing various laboratory-based tasks to support the laboratory. This includes developing and implementing complex and innovative laboratory procedures. The Microbiologist III would be responsible for mentoring and ensuring appropriate training of junior team members on quality control procedures. In addition, the Microbiologist III would also be responsible for troubleshooting problems and providing programmatic guidance to the team.

Requirements

Minimum 3-5 years of laboratory experience with molecular biological laboratory procedures and methods.
Experience managing a team.
Experience conducting research that involves preparation and handling of nucleic acid samples, real-time PCR, ELISA, etc.
Extensive knowledge of laboratory principles and standard methods.
Experience analyzing data from scientific projects and programs using appropriate programs (e.g., Excel, BLAST, etc.)
Experience assisting with specimen accessioning, scanning, and uploading documents into the electronic laboratory management system (ELIMS).
Experience writing project reports, research protocols and manuscripts, with the ability to synthesize new research ideas for project research preferred.
Experience performing laboratory work at a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) or BSL-2-enhanced required; biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, required.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced setting.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Effective organization skills.
Ability to obtain necessary immunizations, including Hepatitis B among others.
Ability to obtain a government clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing next-generation sequencing (NGS) highly desired.
Experience in laboratory diagnosis of viral infections preferred.
Experience working at a Federal Government agency or similar public health setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee laboratory project aims.
Lead the development and implementation of new laboratory procedures.
Train and mentor junior team members.
Ensure quality control measures are followed to a high level of accuracy.
Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Be familiar and ensure program agreement with the latest scientific advances.
Supervise conventional and molecular microbiologic techniques for the isolation, identification, and subtyping of pathogens.
Ensure samples for sequencing and metagenomic analysis, including extraction and library prep are handled according to SOPs.
Develop and/or validate experimental procedures.
Meet with junior staff and SME/project leads at least bi-weekly to discuss testing results and plans.
Ensure experiments and equipment maintenance are in compliance with the CLIA and QMS.
Ensure molecular diagnostic reagents (PCR and sequencing) and QA/QC (proficiency testing program) are developed
Collaborate on genetic analysis projects and studies with various internal and external partners.
Analyze results of assays, ensuring quality controls are maintained during testing.
Validate project experimental results.
Ensure project remains within the scope of work.
Assist with finalizing written documents, reports, and analyses of various scientific projects and programs by creating drafts, editing, and/or reviewing final products.
Verify incoming specimen processing, inventory, and “chain of custody” requirements are met as determined by Lab Coordinators.
Prepare written protocols and documents according to QMS guidelines.
Analyze data from scientific projects and programs using appropriate programs (e.g., Excel, BLAST, etc.)
Provide a weekly project update to client and/or program management.