Microbiologist - Influenza and NGS
GDIT has an opportunity for a full-time Research Microbiologist position to provide genomic analysis support to improve the vaccine virus selection for influenza and SAR-CoV-2. Genomic surveillance of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 integrated with classic epidemiology facilitates the detection of new epidemic variants and provides complete and accurate information about viruses posing a pandemic threat. The use of genomic epidemiology will improve candidate viruses for pre-pandemic and pandemic vaccine development to assist decision makers in formulating management strategies needed during outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics.
You will support the Virology, Surveillance and Diagnosis Branch (VSDB) of the Influenza Division of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) working from the Clifton Rd campus in Atlanta, Georgia.
This is an outstanding opportunity to work with the nation’s lead agency charged with protecting the public's health. There is no travel requirement for this position.
Responsibilities
- Assist with laboratory studies on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses to detect and assess the risk of new emerging variants to current vaccines.
- Assist in producing and analyzing next generation sequence data from routine and enhanced global surveillance using multiple approaches related to influenza/SARS-CoV-2 epidemics or pandemics.
- Helping with mathematical and computational approaches to understand, and eventually predict the evolutionary and epidemiological patterns of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses.
- Ensure the appropriate laboratory genomic analysis methods, procedures, techniques, and applicable quality controls are correctly conducted by referring to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Plan, prepare materials, for laboratory training workshops.
- Prepares and stocks Laboratory media, reagents, chemical solutions, and other reagents as inventory needs require.
- Compiles study related reports and communicate to supervisor in a timely manner.
- Maintain or advise on all required laboratory inventory logs, sample logs, test records, notebooks, instrument logs, maintenance logs, and methods records as required by regulatory requirements and client policies.
- Comply with all client and GDIT requirements for laboratory safety and security
Required Skills and Experience:
- Doctoral degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biology, biomedical sciences, virology, or related field is required.
- 1-2 yrs+ research experience
- Experience with federal regulations regarding the handling of laboratory specimens and related clinical information specifically CLIA
- Experience in adhering and advising on laboratory CLIA practices as well as OSHA and organizational safety requirements
- Experience using relevant laboratory equipment for creation and analysis of next generation sequence data.
- Experience in conducting in-person and remote training workshops on next-generation sequencing and related topics.
- Experience in preparing reports, summaries, presentations, papers and other documents to highlight findings, accomplishments, and surveillance data.
Attributes for Success:
- Ability to work with minimal direct supervision and may assist and advise more junior staff
- Ability to collaborate with team members on laboratory methods, processes, and test procedures to affect a culture of continuous improvement
- Strong communication (written and oral), computer, scientific, and organizational skills.