Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV

Cherokee Federal•Frederick, MD

2d•$70,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is seeking a Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV to provide technical laboratory support for assay development, molecular diagnostics, and mission-critical research at Fort Detrick, Maryland. The position performs laboratory experiments in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories using next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR, digital PCR, MAGPIX, molecular enrichment, microbiology, and other molecular diagnostic techniques. The technician executes scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyzes and summarizes data, supports technical documentation, maintains laboratory equipment and suite integrity, and facilitates research activities. The role involves working with biological materials, clinical and environmental samples, and laboratory systems in high-containment environments. It requires independent experimental work and data analysis, strong documentation, communication, organizational, and laboratory management skills, and effective collaboration with principal investigators and laboratory personnel. BPRP enrollment and an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one are required. CONUS/OCONUS travel may be required. Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, with relevant laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics, microbiology, assay development, or a related field.
Demonstrated laboratory experience with molecular biology and microbiological techniques, including PCR, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification, molecular enrichment, and next-generation sequencing sample and library preparation.
Experience working in BSL-2, BSL-3, and/or BSL-4 containment environments and handling pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, clinical samples, environmental samples, or other biologically derived materials that pose human pathogenic risk.
Experience with nucleic acid extraction and sample processing using automated and manual systems, including QIAgen EZ1, MagNA Pure, and Zymo extraction kits.
Experience with cell culture, viral culture, bacterial growth, and manipulation of live virus and human cells as required for laboratory research.
Experience conducting assay development, experimental testing, verification and validation of diagnostic technologies, and laboratory data analysis.
Ability to independently execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize data, and communicate findings to PIs and multidisciplinary laboratory teams.
Experience maintaining detailed laboratory records and assisting with SOPs, technical reports, manuscripts, protocols, and other scientific documentation.
Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supporting suite operations, including preventative maintenance, safety testing, supply ordering, manual revision, suite orientation, and personnel coordination.
Strong organizational, analytical, technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and mission-critical requirements.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with PIs, laboratory personnel, supervisors, and other project stakeholders in a high-containment research environment.
BPRP enrollment is required and must be held and maintained in accordance with the contract and applicable regulations.
Active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance is required for consideration.
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; occasional standing or moving about the office for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting molecular diagnostic assay development and testing in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory environments.
Experience with next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR, digital PCR, MAGPIX, molecular enrichment, and other molecular diagnostic platforms or technologies.
Experience supporting verification and validation of novel diagnostic technologies and translating experimental results into technical documentation.
Experience performing laboratory suite management or supervisory functions, including equipment maintenance, safety testing, supply management, laboratory orientation, and personnel coordination.
Experience working with clinical and environmental samples and biological materials containing unknown pathogens or biothreat agents.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory work for assay development in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories in collaboration with the Project Investigator (PI).
Conduct experiments and testing, and analyze data to detect etiologic agents in animal and clinical samples from BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 containment suites.
Perform molecular techniques including PCR, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification, and sample and library preparation for next-generation sequencing.
Process samples to generate nucleic acid material for molecular diagnostic testing using robotic systems and manual techniques, including QIAgen EZ1, MagNA Pure, and Zymo extraction kits.
Perform microbiological techniques, including manipulation of live virus and human cells, cell culture, viral culture, and bacterial growth, as required by the PI.
Support experiments involving pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, clinical and environmental samples containing unknown pathogens, biothreat agents, and other biologically derived materials posing human pathogenic risk.
Perform independent verification and validation of novel diagnostic technologies as required by the PI.
Execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize experimental data, and support mission-critical research.
Maintain digital or physical experimental records and provide documentation to the PI upon request.
Assist PIs with standard operating procedures, technical reports, and manuscripts for publication.
Maintain laboratory equipment and suite integrity, including preventative maintenance and safety testing.
Assist the suite supervisor and perform suite supervisor duties, including maintaining knowledge of laboratory instruments, chemicals, and biological work.
Order project supplies, revise suite-specific manuals, conduct suite orientations, and coordinate personnel working in assigned laboratories.
Present protocols and data at weekly meetings and monthly assemblies as required.
Facilitate mission-critical research and perform other assigned job-related duties.
Travel CONUS/OCONUS as required in support of the diagnostic mission.