Microbiologist III

Description

JOB TITLE: Microbiologist III

POSITION NUMBER: 2210-05924-Micro-T03

POSITION LOCATION: Atlanta, GA, USA

ANTICIPATED START DATE: As soon as possible

TRAVEL:  As required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position

IHRC, 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 IHRC, Inc. and will be assigned to the Pneumonia Response and Surveillance Laboratory, Respiratory Diseases Branch (RDB), Division of Bacterial Diseases (DBD), at the CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA to provide laboratory support services for the Pneumonia Response and Surveillance Laboratory.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Microbiologist III will assist in the laboratory identification of respiratory pathogens and participate in the development and optimization of molecular-based diagnostics, including some advanced technologies.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in projects that involve running real-time PCR assays and Next-generation sequencing, as well as activities ancillary to these approaches.
• Conduct real-time PCR and RT-PCR experiments for the research and development of robust, sensitive, and specific biological assays.
• Perform analysis of multiple parameters including primer/probe sequences, concentrations, enzyme kits, and other components.
• Optimize multiple parameters associated with real-time PCR, RT-PCR and Next-generation sequencing.
• Provide outbreak response support.
• Perform qPCR testing of clinical specimens from outbreak response efforts.
• Organize and conduct molecular training at study sites.
• Development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures and protocols for assays being developed.
• Prepare scientific reports and manuscripts as it relates to research and development being performed.
• Provide technical assistance to selected activities related to the use of real-time PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing assays. 
• Provide support to the CDC EOC for agency response activities when the EOC is activated.
• Provide field support for CDC outbreak activities.
• Collaborate with CDC and its partners to respond and recover from DBD led outbreak activities
• Assist with developing and pilot testing instruments (e.g., questionnaires, chart abstract forms) and enrollment procedures to be used in the outbreak response assessments
• Work with CDC to develop appropriate data systems that allow for secure collection and electronic transmission of data in outbreak response scenarios
• Coordinate monitoring of enrollment, data analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of reports for presentation and publication.
• Work with partners and CDC to review, track, and monitor progress towards the response goals and to address any risks, delays, or performance problems.
• Work with partners and CDC to investigate disease outbreaks.
• Ensure data quality and integrity of data documentation.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• MS degree in Life Sciences to include Biology, Microbiology, or closely related field

Required:

• Experience running real-time PCR assays, cell culture, and/or serology.
• Assay development experience.
• Practical knowledge of Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) or Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) procedures in a regulated facility.
• Proficiency with general molecular biology practices.
• Proficiency with MS Excel, Word, and DNA analysis software.
• Proficiency with common laboratory practices within a      microbiology laboratory, including real-time PCR platforms, a variety of nucleic acid automated systems, isolation and culturing techniques, complex data analysis and interpretation, in addition to understanding and adhering to strict laboratory safety standards and laboratory practices.
• Collaboration with scientists in diverse research, development, and production laboratories
• Knowledge and ability to follow all outlined approved  CDC Biosafety guidelines in the performance of assigned duties.

Desirable: 

• Experience conducting next-generation sequencing.
• Experience working with respiratory pathogenic bacteria.
• Knowledge of CDC laboratory policy, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining the flexibility to respond to the needs of the RDB.

Language Skills:

• The candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English   

REQUIREMENT:

• Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident or have authorization for employment in the United States

SALARY:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience 

To apply for this position:

• If you are viewing this position on the IHRC Career Center, please click on the "Apply Now" button.
• If you are viewing this position on a site other than the IHRC Career Center, you may use the “click to apply” link, or you may apply by visiting our Career Center and searching for the position number listed at the top of this position description.
• To view all of our open positions, and to apply to those positions in which you may be interested, please visit our Career Center, which can also be reached by visiting www.ihrc.com/Careers and clicking on the “View Opportunities” link.

IHRC, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. It is the policy of IHRC, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, and to take affirmative action in accordance with applicable laws and Executive Orders.