The Laboratory Technician will assist in the culture of medically important ticks that can transmit a variety of pathogens, perform morphological authentication of these stocks, perform bioassays and experiments, and assist in preparing and distributing ticks to collaborators. This position works 40 hours per week, which will consist of some weekend and holiday work. The staff member will be hired by, and an employee of, the CDC Foundation and assigned to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Roybal campus in Atlanta, Georgia. The staff member will support the Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch in the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain multiple live laboratory colonies of ticks
- Handle and work with laboratory animals (rabbits) as needed for maintenance of tick colonies
- Utilize techniques for sedation of various laboratory animals and collection of blood, serum, and tissue samples
- Utilize morphological identification of tick species and dissection techniques
- Prepare, coordinate, and distribute tick shipments to collaborators
- Apply molecular techniques in support of laboratory objectives
- Perform bioassays and experiments
- Order materials needed for laboratory
- Conduct general laboratory maintenance, including cleaning
- Maintain thorough systematic records (paper and electronic) and related documents
- Prepare reports as scheduled or requested by supervisor
- Follow established biosafety protocols and procedures and attend necessary trainings
- As required by the project, participate in limited travel
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Skills Necessary
- B.S. degree in entomology, genetics, biology, public health, or related science (or minimum two years of equivalent experience)
- Laboratory experience in molecular techniques or the handling and rearing of insects preferred
- Experience in performing laboratory maintenance activities
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated success as a team player
- Ability to interact with individuals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds
- Demonstrated ability to make efficient judgments regarding priorities and be largely independent
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy to ensure that high-quality materials are produced
- Highly capable of tracking, summarizing, and reporting lab activities
- Demonstrated ability to plan and manage time efficiently
- Proven ability to compile and analyze basic lab data
- Proficient use of different computer programs (Microsoft Office and lab analysis software)
