Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV

Cherokee Federal•Frederick, MD

1d•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 in Frederick, Maryland. The position is on-site and requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one. BPRP enrollment is required and must be maintained in accordance with the contract and applicable regulations. The technician performs and supports laboratory experiments in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories, using molecular diagnostic and microbiological methods and equipment. Work includes next-generation sequencing, PCR and isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification and extraction, molecular enrichment, cell and viral culture, and testing biological, clinical, and environmental samples. The role involves working with pathogenic organisms, unknown pathogens, and biothreat agents. The successful candidate independently executes scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyzes and summarizes data, maintains laboratory records, and supports technical documentation. The position also involves maintaining equipment and laboratory suite integrity, supporting suite operations, coordinating laboratory activities, and collaborating with principal investigators and laboratory personnel. CONUS/OCONUS travel may be required.

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 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 posing 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 and experimental testing, verifying and validating diagnostic technologies, and analyzing laboratory data.
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 standard operating procedures, technical reports, manuscripts, protocols, and other scientific documentation.
Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supporting suite operations, including preventive maintenance, safety testing, supply ordering, manual revision, suite orientation, and coordination of laboratory personnel.
Strong organizational, analytical, technical-writing, communication, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and mission-critical research 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 maintained in accordance with the contract and applicable regulations.
Must have an active Secret clearance or be able to obtain one.
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
The work may involve prolonged sitting at a desk and computer work, with occasional standing or moving around 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 experiments 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 containment suites.
Perform molecular techniques, including PCR and 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 methods, 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.
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.
Execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize experimental data, and support mission-critical research.
Maintain detailed 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 preventive maintenance and safety testing.
Assist the suite supervisor and perform suite-supervisor duties for laboratories used by the Division, including maintaining knowledge of instruments, chemicals, and biological work conducted in the laboratories.
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 duties as assigned.
Travel CONUS/OCONUS as required in support of the diagnostic mission.