Laboratory Technician 4 - Bacteriology Support

Overview

Come join a company that strives for Extraordinary People and Exceptional Performance! Chenega Professional Technical Services, LLC., a Chenega Professional Services’ company, is looking for a Laboratory Technician 4 - Bacteriology Support.  The Laboratory Technician 4 shall provide laboratory support with laboratory experiments in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories and shall aid in the execution of scientific studies and plaque assays, PCR and other assays, animal procedures, collection/data analyzing, and maintain laboratory and laboratory equipment.

Our company offers employees the opportunity to join a team where there is a robust employee benefits program, management engagement, quality leadership, an atmosphere of teamwork, recognition for performance, and promotion opportunities. We actively strive to channel our highly engaged employee’s knowledge, critical thinking, and determination to innovate scalable solutions for our clients. 

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead/PI in Molecular Microbiological Experiments aimed at defining elements and factors involved in bacterial virulence.  
• Complete Opsonic Adherence assays to test the efficacy of animal sera (Rabbit and NHP) in the presence of Baby Rabbit Complement to adhere Ames bacilli and spores to RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.
• Perform laboratory testing such as ELISA, Luminex Cytokine Analyses, acrophage phagocytosis assays, bacterial burdens in organ tissue, DNA chromosomal preparation, PCRs, isolating and purifying plasmid DNA specimens, and Agar gel analysis. 

• Prepare different Reagents / Media for the lab (including R Medium, DMEM/FBS, LB Broth, Sodium Bicarbonate, APS LB Agar, BHI, etc). 
• FITC label and count Ames samples to check ratio of Bacilli: Spores over multiple time points. 
• Assist in the presentation of data collected from Opsonic Adherence and ELISA at group meeting; present progress reports to study investigator.  Use computer to prepare graphs and write reports for study investigator. 

• Perform Immunological and antibody determinations. 
• Perform Flow Cytometry tasks, determining cellular distribution in mouse samples and intracellular cytokine expression.  Uses a BD FACS Calibur and BD FACS Canto II to analyze cellular distribution. 
• Perform Cell Biology/Biochemical/microbiological tasks. Performs laboratory tests, such as protein gel electrophoresis, western blot analysis, growth of macrophage cell lines, live-dead cell determinations, prepares microbiological media for bacterial cultures. 
• Organize and maintain data generated from immunological and microbiological studies. 
• Assist in the performance animal challenges and bacterial challenge preparations to include preparing supplies and performing complex pathogenesis studies. 
• Perform animal injections, observations, gavages, blood collections, and necropsies. 

• Serve as a training representative for BSL-2 laboratory skills.
• Order lab supplies for BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories including common supplies, custom orders, and equipment. Perform monthly Laboratory Management to include safety functions and inventory. 

• Review relevant literature monthly. Assist in the preparation standard operating procedures and manuscripts relating to their research efforts. Submit monthly reports to the TPOC.
• Present research findings at one scientific conference per year. Present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested. 
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

• Ability to meet BPRP and CS-PRP enrollment requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance
• Demonstrated ability to perform laboratory and animal research tasks in regulated environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biology, or related field
• 4+ years of bacteriology laboratory experience
• Experience working in BSL-3 or BSL-4 laboratories
• Experience with clinical diagnostics and regulated laboratory environments

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in BSL-2/BSL-3 laboratory environments
• Proficiency with PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, and microbiological assays
• Experience with animal handling, inoculation, and sample collection
• Ability to perform DNA isolation, cloning, and sequencing processes
• Experience preparing laboratory media and reagents
• Strong data recording, analysis, and reporting skills
• Ability to execute studies in highly regulated environments
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to work in team-based, multi-project environments
• Ability to maintain security clearance and BPRP enrollments

Estimated Salary/Wage