The Laboratory Technician will assist in the culture of medically important mosquitoes that can transmit a variety of pathogens, perform morphological authentication of these stocks, perform bioassays and experiments, and assist in preparing and distributing mosquitoes 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 Entomology Branch in the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Rear and maintain mosquito colonies
- Assist in insectary operations and conduct general laboratory maintenance, including cleaning
- Occasionally rear kissing bug and tick colonies
- Follow established biosafety protocols and procedures and attend necessary trainings
- Write and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Perform molecular and morphological authentications of mosquito stocks
- Prepare and distribute mosquito shipments to collaborators
- Handle and work with laboratory animals (rabbits) as needed for maintenance of mosquito colonies
- Execute experiments per the guidance of project leadership
- Maintain thorough systematic records (paper and electronic) and related documents
- Support data compilation, archiving, analysis, and reporting
- 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 (DNA sequencing, PCR, cloning in plasmid vectors, etc.) 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)
About the CDC Foundation
- The CDC Foundation helps CDC save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC’s critical health protection mission. The CDC Foundation manages hundreds of programs each year impacting a variety of health threats from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like rotavirus and HIV, to emergency responses, including COVID-19 and Ebola. Visit www.cdcfoundation.org for more information.
