Microbiologist I

Job Type

Full-time

Description

JOB TITLE: Microbiologist I

POSITION NUMBER: 2406-17961-MICRO-1

POSITION LOCATION: Atlanta, GA, USA

ANTICIPATED START DATE: Two weeks after candidate identification

TRAVEL: As required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

ASRT, 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 ASRT, Inc. and will be assigned to the Mycotic Diseases Branch (MDB), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), at the CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, to provide laboratory support.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Microbiologist I will provide technical knowledge for the MDB laboratory to support the fungal projects.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Fungal identification and characterization using culture-based and molecular methods
• Perform fungal culture and microscopy
• Use automated instrumentation for identification (i.e., MALDI-TOF)
• Perform DNA extractions of fungal isolates and clinical specimens (i.e., FFPE, CSF, colonization swabs)
• Perform Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), gel extractions, sanger sequencing, and downstream sequence analysis
• Perform Real-time PCR to support fungal identification and quantification, including all steps ranging from DNA extraction, reaction mix preparation, RT-PCR run and analysis.
• Perform routine NGS sequencing (i.e., MiSeq)
• Characterize susceptibility of fungal yeast and molds to antifungal agents and disinfectants according to standardized methodologies
• Data management using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Document sample receipt
• Enter test results when available and submit data for review and acceptance
• Organize and pull sub-sets of data to support further analysis
• Communicate results in interdisciplinary settings
• Use software such as DCIPHER or PowerBI to create graphical figures and summaries of laboratory testing results
• Communicate laboratory test results in periodic interdisciplinary meetings, both virtually and in person
• Applied research studies
• Participate in special laboratory applied research studies
• Write standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Generate tables and graphs to summarize results
• Contribute to writing of scientific manuscripts
• Adhere to laboratory practices as required for a safe, clean, and high-quality environment
• Maintain organized and up to date laboratory records.
• Maintain competency as a CLIA testing personnel
• Adhere to safety requirements for entering and working in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories
• Maintain clean laboratory space, properly dispose of waste
  
  

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education And Experience

• BS/BA in Biology, Microbiology or related discipline.
  
  

Required

• Aseptic technique for microbial cultures.
• Experience writing laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Experience coordinating on and off site laboratory activities between multiple laboratory facilities.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of DNA sequencing and assembly software.
• Experience performing manual DNA extraction on microbial isolates and primary specimens.
• Knowledge of STAR-LIMS isolate tracking program.
• Experience with molecular methods such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sanger sequencing, gel electrophoresis and RT-PCR.
• Experience with automated instrumentation (i.e., MALDI-TOF)
• Basic data visualization skills (bar charts, line graphs, pie charts)
• Organizational skills and time management
• Knowledge of Access database.
  
  

Desirable

• Advanced degree in Biology, Microbiology or related discipline.
• Experience performing PCR for diagnosis of infectious disease.
• Experience running assays under a quality assurance management system.
• Experience working in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) environment.
• Experience working in a similar capacity in a Public Health setting.
• Ability to work and build coalitions with partners involved, and develop strategies to effectively convey information to partners.
• Ability to work independently and yet maintain the flexibility to respond to requests for support of ongoing projects.
• Immunizations may be required.
  
  

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 ASRT Career page, please click on the "Apply" button.
• If you are viewing this position on a site other than the ASRT Career page, you may use the "click to apply" link, or you may apply by visiting our Career page and searching for the job title and position number listed at the top of this job posting.
• To view all of our open positions and to apply to job openings in which you may be interested, please visit our Career page at https://www.asrtinc.com/careers.
  
  

ASRT, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. It is the policy of ASRT, 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.