REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2+ years of laboratory experience with molecular biological laboratory procedures and methods.
• Previous experience with preparation of samples for molecular biology procedures (nucleic acid extraction, PCR) and/or next-generation sequencing.
• Experience conducting research that involves preparation and handling of nucleic acid samples, real-time PCR, ELISA, etc. preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory principles and standard methods.
• Experience analyzing data from scientific projects and programs using appropriate programs (e.g., Excel, BLAST, etc.) preferred.
• Experience assisting with specimen accessioning, scanning, and uploading documents into the electronic laboratory management system (ELIMS) preferred.
• Experience writing project reports, research protocols and manuscripts, with the ability to synthesize new research ideas for project research preferred.
• Experience performing laboratory work at a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) or BSL-2-enhanced preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, required.
• Experience working at a public health federal agency or in a public health setting preferred.
• 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.
• 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.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• BA or BS in biology, molecular biology, microbiology and/or virology with 2+ years of experience required. MS degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology and/or virology preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. May need to lift 25 pounds regularly.
• May be exposed to Hazardous materials and will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect against exposure to pathogens and chemicals.

WHO WE ARE

Tanaq Management Services (TMS) is a public health contractor, certified 8(a) business, owned by St. George Tanaq Corporation, an Alaska Native Corporation. (ANC). We listen to our stakeholders and leverage our science, technology, communication, and program expertise to understand and provide feedback as we develop solutions.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly motivated Microbiologist to support ongoing projects within public health for our federal government customer. The successful candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology and laboratory techniques and will be able to work independently as well as part of a team. The ideal candidate will also have experience with data analysis and interpretation. The position will involve supporting a variety of laboratory projects, including the development of new vaccines, the study of infectious diseases, molecular epidemiology, and surveillance. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to important research that is making a difference in the fight against disease.
A Microbiologist is responsible for performing various laboratory-based tasks to support the laboratory. This includes tasks such as sample processing, culturing bacteria, biomolecule isolation, and molecular analyses including PCR, real-time PCR, and whole genome and amplicon sequencing library preparation. The Microbiologist I will also work with the team to develop and implement quality control procedures.
This position is fully onsite and will report to our customer’s location in Atlanta, GA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform molecular assays developed in customer’s Division to sequence whole genome of viral vaccine preventable diseases.
• Engage and support the adaptation of molecular techniques to automated platforms in use in customer’s Division (e.g. PerkinElmer/Revvity Zephyr and Hamilton Instruments).
• Support the development of sequencing assays (targeted and metagenomic) for Illumina, Element and Oxford Nanopore platforms.
• Provide technical assistance through sample inventory/management and generating whole genome sequence data for viral vaccine preventable diseases.
• Develop and/or use innovative methodologies and techniques; search, synthesize, and interpret information relevant to public health.
• Review and analyze studies and projects assessing major and/or sensitive public health issues in order to make recommendations for processes, procedures and/or policies related to public health programs, practices and research.
• Support in collecting and organizing information to help shape the strategic direction necessary for the customer to achieve its mission goals and objectives.
• Support with the drafting of procedural and safety documents and perform laboratory maintenance which ensures the safe use of equipment and procedures.
• Provide support with pertinent quality-related duties, including drafting and revision of standardized operating procedures, drafting and completion of method verifications and validations for next-generation sequencing methods and analysis pipelines.
• Maintain inventories of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Follow standard operating procedures and ensure that all work is completed accurately and efficiently.
• Perform aseptic technique, processing, detection, and enumeration of pathogens and associated genes.
• Perform conventional and molecular microbiologic techniques for the isolation, identification, and subtyping of pathogens.
• Prepare samples for sequencing and metagenomic analysis, including extraction and library prep.
• Perform conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and data analysis.
• Meet with SME/project leads at least bi-weekly to discuss testing results and plans.
• 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: