Microbiologist II

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 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 scientific and technical support for the EDLB.

The Microbiologist II will provide scientific and laboratory support to the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases (DFWED) in its preparedness and response to foodborne and diarrheal diseases in the United States and abroad.

• Performs laboratory testing of metagenomics and bioinformatics analysis of metagenomics samples to characterize enteric bacteria.
• Supports data analysis of metagenomics samples.
• Assists the development and/or validation of molecular approaches, including but not limited to analytical comparisons of next generation sequencing platforms and reagents/chemistries.
• Assists in crafting new standard operating procedures, technical documents (e.g., analysis aids and troubleshooting guidance) and training materials.
• Prepares and delivers clear, concise, and accurate reports and presentations for colleagues and collaborators at internal and external meetings.
• Effectively communicates and coordinates with others regarding work tasks and plans to accomplish unit, team, and branch objectives. Shares work progress and problems encountered with others in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates an understanding of program goals and objectives through formal communication and collaboration with partner organizations and stakeholders.
• Supports the development of bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of large targeted sequencing data sets for the Pulse Net surveillance system.
• Supports the analysis of large targeted amplicon sequencing data sets used in the validation of laboratory and bioinformatic workflows.
• Supports the creation and revision of SOPs and validation plans for laboratory and bioinformatic workflows.

• Master's degree, from an accredited academic institution, in a scientific discipline related to the responsibilities of the position.
• 2-4 years of experience in the genetic and/or bioinformatic analysis of bacterial genetic markers.

• Previous experience in a similar role.
• Knowledge of laboratory and safety regulations including CLIA, ISO, and/or OSHA standards.
• Experience in aseptic techniques and laboratory analysis of samples.
• Experience working with a number of biological organisms and awareness of their handling and storage.
• Experience working with and adapting/modifying SOPs.
• Experience working with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for the preparation of memos and reports.
• Experience with development and management of a complex relational database.
• Experience working with statistical software such as SAS, R, Stata, or similar software.
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Immunizations may be required.

• Specific detailed knowledge of quality systems and regulatory requirements, handling of clinical specimens, and aseptic techniques.
• Experience working with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and molecular techniques associated with NGS.
• Experience scripting in at least one language (Python, R, or shell preferred).
• Basic statistics training.
• Familiarity with the following is helpful:
• UNIX command line bioinformatics tools
• Use of version control systems and code repositories (e.g., Git Hub)
• Analysis of next-generation sequencing data, including QC, alignment, quantification, or phylogeny tools

• The candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident or…