Microbiologist

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide laboratory and analytical support services for diagnosis of Guinea Worm, including accessioning of specimens, molecular laboratory work, development of improved detection methods, and reporting of results.
• Provide laboratory support for inventory and specimen preparation for transfer to the CDC Biorepository.
• Receive and process specimens for microscopy and molecular diagnosis.
• Gather and accurately record all specimen information into designated databases.
• Conduct molecular testing of specimens, including but not limited to PCR and DNA sequence analysis.
• Participate in projects to develop new diagnostic methods for Guinea Worm, primarily DNA based methods. Will also participate in projects for serological based methods, inclusive of ELISA or point of contact assays.
• Actively participate in the laboratory quality management and biosafety systems by ensuring the full range of applicable standard operating procedures, and quality procedures and controls, are correctly conducted and documented.
• Produce data records and develop data reports of laboratory work conducted.
• Analyze data using various software platforms to determine results, prepare for presentations or publications, and guide further/future experiments.
• Assist in the upkeep of the laboratory workspace.
• Assist in proper collection and storage of laboratory data.
• Assume responsibility that incoming specimens are processed and triaged maintaining the required “chain-of-custody”.
• Properly operate laboratory instruments that are necessary to perform specialized tests, analyses, and other standard procedures in conducting experiments and studies.
• Participate in the development, validation and updating of standard operating procedures including performing experiments to define optimal test performance.
• Place and track orders of laboratory reagents, laboratory supplies, and equipment needs.
• Prepare written documents and reports including manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Keep inventory of laboratory instruments, reagents, and chemicals.
• Update laboratory notebook of activities daily.
• Sterilize and disinfect surfaces and equipment as needed.
• Properly dispose of hazardous wastes according to disposal protocols.
• Prepare periodic oral and written reports, including trip reports, scientific papers, maps, national and regional planning documents, and presentations.
• Other duties as assigned, including CDC training (online modules and on site) for laboratory work.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in microbiology or related science
• M.S. degree in science or public health preferred
• 2-3 years of laboratory experience in a microbiological field
• Professional knowledge of microbiology and immunoassay techniques sufficient to perform studies or projects with limited supervision
• Ability to document daily work with good laboratory practice compliance
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience in statistical programs (e.g. SAS, R, STATA) desirable.

About the CDC Foundation

• The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has raised over $1.9 billion and launched more than 1,300 programs 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. The CDC Foundation managed hundreds of programs in the United States and in more than 90 countries last year. Visit www.cdcfoundation.org for more information.