Microbiologist V, Atlanta, Georgia

JOB TITLE: Microbiologist V

POSITION NUMBER: 2405-14202-MICRO-004

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 Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases (MVPDB), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), at the CDC, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, to support to the Bacterial Meningitis Laboratory (BML), Quality Management team and M&O team within MVPDB.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Microbiologist V will work within the Bacterial Meningitis Laboratory. This task will provide the new meningitis diagnostic method development. Responsibilities will include the following:

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regularly review literatures to keep updated with the development of new diagnostics and detection methods for meningitis pathogens (bacterial, viral, fungal etc.)
• Work closely with stakeholders such as WHO and state health laboratories to explore, develop, validate, and implement new detection methods using advanced and emerging technologies to improve the diagnostics, surveillance and outbreak response for diseases caused by meningitis pathogens.
• Analyze, review, revise, and/or interpret the data and prepares scientific reports, laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training materials, summaries abstracts, manuscripts, presentations, and other documents related to research projects, surveillance, and other lab activities.
• Provide support for outbreak responses and applied research projects to advance our understanding of meningococcal disease and carriage as well as genomics, strain evolution and transmission, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance of common bacterial meningitis pathogens.
• Comply with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and quality and safety regulations as required by CDC.
• Assist with the establishment of procedures for Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) of sequence data analysis in the context of the specific projects.
• Provide recommendations and feedback to Laboratory and Branch personnel on CLIA and QMS regulations for informatics methods for VPD surveillance.
• Attend CDC, Center, Division, Branch and Lab required trainings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Master of Science degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or an equivalent science or equivalent degree from an accredited university or college of higher education.

Required:

• Extensive knowledge of scientific techniques and extensive skills in molecular biological, immunological, and biochemistry research.
• Experience with conventional and real-time PCR assays.
• Expertise in microbiology and molecular biology, and the design, development, and performance of molecular diagnostic tests.
• Ability to develop, validate, and evaluate new diagnostic assays and molecular typing systems.
• Knowledge and experience working with infectious agents in various laboratory settings.
• Proficiency (verbal and written) in Spanish is required. Portuguese language skills at any level are desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills are required for teamwork and extensive interaction with people across CDC and with external partners.

Desirable:

• Advanced degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biology or chemistry, or other appropriate scientific discipline.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated experience using computer software packages including Microsoft Office, BioNumerics, and statistical analysis software.
• Demonstrated skills and experience writing projects, reports, research protocols, and manuscripts.
• Ability to build coalitions with partners involved, working with MVPD Branch members and developing strategies for effectively conveying information to partners.
• Ability to work independently and yet to maintain the flexibility to respond to the needs of MVPD Branch.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrable ability to manage a multifaceted project with flexibility and creativity.
• Ability and willingness to reprioritize on short notice and work on multiple simultaneous projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated success as a team player, and ability to interact with individuals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds.
• Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines.

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.

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