Microbiologist II

About the position

The Microbiologist II position at Tanaq Management Services involves supporting various laboratory projects related to molecular biology, infectious diseases, and vaccine development. The role requires a strong background in laboratory techniques, particularly in molecular analyses, and includes responsibilities such as developing standard operating procedures, training staff, and ensuring quality control. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a team and contribute to significant research efforts in public health.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate counts for inventories of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Develop standard operating procedures and ensure that all work is completed accurately and efficiently.
• Provide training on aseptic technique, processing, detection, and enumeration of pathogens and associated genes.
• 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 conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and data analysis procedures.
• Meet with more junior staff and SME/project leads at least bi-weekly to discuss testing results and plans.
• Conduct experiments and equipment maintenance in compliance with the CLIA and QMS.
• Develop molecular diagnostic reagents (PCR and sequencing).
• Collaborate on genetic analysis projects and studies with various internal partners.
• Analyze results of assays, ensuring quality controls are maintained during testing.
• Develop and validate immunoassays.
• Assist with preparing written documents, reports, and analyses of various scientific projects and programs by creating drafts, editing, and/or reviewing final products.
• Manage incoming specimen processing, inventory, and 'chain of custody' requirements 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 SME/project leads.

Requirements

• Experience performing laboratory work at a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) or BSL-2-enhanced required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of laboratory experience with molecular biological laboratory procedures and methods.
• Experience training or supervising others.
• 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).
• 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.
• Experience writing project reports, research protocols, and manuscripts, with the ability to synthesize new research ideas for project research preferred.
• Experience performing next-generation sequencing (NGS) preferred.
• Experience in laboratory diagnosis of viral infections is preferred.
• Experience working at a federal agency or in a public health setting preferred.
• Ability to obtain a government clearance.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience writing project reports, research protocols, and manuscripts, with the ability to synthesize new research ideas for project research preferred.
• Experience performing next-generation sequencing (NGS) preferred.
• Experience in laboratory diagnosis of viral infections is preferred.
• Experience working at a federal agency or in a public health setting preferred.