[Hiring] Microbiologist II @Goldbelt

Role Description

As the Microbiologist II, the candidates shall perform specified portions of scientific work involving studies of genomic sequencing of the samples, biological activities, and/or processes of viruses and their component parts.

Responsibilities

• Perform virus diagnostic and genomic sequencing, including qPCR assay, genomic sequencing using Illumina and ONT platforms.
• Perform research activities to improve, enhance or develop new assay developments with the incorporation of advanced technologies.
• Maintain cell lines, virus variants, and other reagents required for the performance of research activities, including APOBEC-related research.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records of activities including documentation fitting for submission of results for peer-reviewed publications.
• Participate in branch international research activities to evaluate laboratory capabilities, procure equipment and reagents for diagnostic assays, and train laboratory personnel in Monkeypox virus diagnostic assays.
• Assist with ordering reagents and maintenance of laboratory space for conducting research activities.
• Propagate and purify Monkeypox viruses and orthopoxviruses for use in assays for validation of diagnostic assays and investigative purposes.
• Perform nucleic acid extractions on animal samples known or potentially infected with zoonotic agents, including Monkeypox virus and orthopvirus species.
• Maintain and consolidate all records related to historical Monkeypox virus and orthopoxviruses, and investigate all reagents produced during these studies.
• Analyze data relevant to laboratory investigations as well as outbreak response efforts with skills and knowledge of bioinformatics.
• Effectively communicate research activities by presentations in lab, team, and branch meetings.
• Present works in national/international conferences and prepare manuscripts and research articles for publication.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of molecular biology, virology, infectious disease diagnostics, and laboratory research methods.
• Experience performing nucleic acid extraction, qPCR testing, and routine molecular diagnostic procedures.
• Working knowledge of genomic sequencing methods, including Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platforms.
• Experience with cell culture, maintenance of cell lines, virus stocks, laboratory reagents, and research materials.
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of bioinformatics and analysis of genomic sequencing data.
• Knowledge of laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, quality assurance, contamination control, and safe handling of infectious materials.
• Ability to follow established protocols, assist with assay development and validation, troubleshoot routine laboratory issues, and accurately document results.
• Strong laboratory recordkeeping, data management, and organizational skills, including maintenance of specimen, reagent, and research records.
• Ability to analyze laboratory data and contribute to technical reports, presentations, manuscripts, and research documentation.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, including the ability to support training, laboratory coordination, and domestic or international research activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Microbiology or a related field.
• 2-5 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CDC Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, virology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related scientific field.
• Approximately 2–5 years of relevant laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics, infectious disease research, virology, or public health laboratory science.
• Hands-on experience performing qPCR assays and preparing samples or libraries for genomic sequencing.
• Experience using Illumina, ONT, or comparable next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Experience with cell culture, viral propagation, nucleic acid extraction, and maintenance of laboratory reagents or biological materials.
• Familiarity with Mpox virus, orthopoxviruses, zoonotic pathogens, or other infectious disease agents.
• Experience using basic or intermediate bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis, genome assembly, alignment, or variant identification.
• Experience assisting with assay development, validation, method improvement, or implementation of new laboratory technologies.
• Experience supporting infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, or laboratory research activities.
• Experience contributing to scientific presentations, technical reports, manuscripts, training activities, or laboratory capacity-building efforts.
• Prior experience with CDC.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Tax-deferred savings options.
• Supplementary benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.