Minimum Clearance Required to Start:
Not Applicable/NoneJob Description:
Ready to put your scientific expertise to work in detecting bio-threat agents domestically and across the globe? We are seeking a Biological Technician to support and facilitate biological research for the rapid detection of infectious diseases of global importance and the enhancement of global disease surveillance for early pathogen detection and response. This position resides at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD and will support the Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD) in the Molecular Diagnostics department.
Responsibilities:
Conduct administrative and scientific tasks necessary for the execution of the Proficiency Testing (PT) Program. The specific agents are assigned by the supervisor(s) in conjunction with the direction of the funding agency's mandate.
Perform, at a minimum, the following tasks: Download, file and confirm receipt of incoming tests, track customer questions and concerns during testing cycles, maintain routine communication with customer labs and monitor changes in customer POCs, perform preliminary scoring of written and hands-on tests, organize and execute sample assembly and shipment, maintain inventory of supplies required for PT sample shipment and production, and participate in the laboratory production of PT samples. Other tasks will be assigned by the supervisor(s) as are necessary for the fulfillment of the scope of work of the contract.
Assist senior staff in training co-workers and new technicians in all procedures listed above.
Assist in preparation of technical reports, summaries, protocols, and presentations concerning scientific data surrounding experiments and procedures developed and performed under the direction of supervisor(s).
May be expected to participate, on an appropriate level of scientific expertise and competence, in site visits to customer labs in support of the scope of work of the contract. Such trips may be conducted domestically or internationally.
Maintain the laboratory support inventory for scientific research and assigned tasks.
Perform background literature searches and maintain laboratory records and notebooks as required.
Assist with production of reagents for daily use by DoD and Federal programs to detect the presence of biological warfare agents in aerosol samples and for ongoing disease surveillance across the globe.
Assist with the development and testing of new or improved nucleic acid-based detection assays to meet the needs of DoD and other Federal agencies.
Education/Experience:
BS in a biological science field
3 years of practical experience in molecular biology is considered essential
The candidate must possess practical knowledge of immunoassay design and production and must have demonstrated the ability to perform competent work in a BSL-2 clean laboratory.
The candidate should have a minimum of 1 year of experience in reagent production under an ISO Guide 34 Quality Management System.
Must be able to pass all criteria for a Secret security clearance.
Must be able to pass all criteria for enrollment in a Biological Personnel Reliability Program, to include random drug screening.