Microbiologist II

Overview

Tanaq Management Services (TMS) delivers professional, scientific, and technical services and information technology (IT) solutions to federal agencies in the health, agriculture, technology, and other government services. TMS is a subsidiary of the St. George Tanaq Corporation, an Alaskan Native Corporation (ANC) committed to serving Federal customers while also giving back to the Tanaq native community and shareholders.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Microbiologist II 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 supervisory experience or experience training others. 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 collaborate with various disciplines of life sciences and biotechnology as well as contribute to important research that is making a difference in the fight against disease.

A Microbiologist II is responsible for performing various laboratory-based tasks to support the laboratory. This includes developing and standardizing complex laboratory procedures, such as molecular analyses, including PCR, real-time PCR, and whole genome and amplicon sequencing library preparation. The Microbiologist II would be responsible for developing and implementing quality control procedures. In addition, the Microbiologist II would also be responsible for troubleshooting problems and providing technical support to the team.

This is a fully onsite position at our customer's location in Atlanta, Georgia.

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.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 3-4 years of laboratory experience with molecular biological laboratory procedures and methods, including direct experience with CLIA-certified assays.
• 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).
• 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 required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, required.
• Experience working at CDC 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.
• Experience performing next-generation sequencing (NGS) preferred.
• Experience in laboratory diagnosis of viral infections preferred.
• Ability to obtain 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

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, Microbiology, Life Sciences or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to obtain necessary immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases relevant to laboratory placement, including Hepatitis B, among others.
• Ability to obtain respiratory clearance and fit testing may be required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May need to lift 25 pounds regularly.
• Must be able to work with hazardous chemicals and potentially infectious biological agents.
• Must be physically capable of performing repetitive motions such as pipetting and operating cell counters

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.

Our Commitment to Non-Discrimination

St. George Tanaq is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Tanaq complies with the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988 and E-Verify.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance completing any part of the application process, please email [email protected] to request a reasonable accommodation. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Notice on Candidate AI Usage

Tanaq is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive interview process for all candidates based on their experience, skills and education. To ensure the integrity of the interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during phone, in person and virtual interviews is not allowed. However, candidates who require a reasonable accommodation that may involve AI are required to contact us prior to their interview at [email protected]