Biologist

Joint Research & Development, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life & AD&D Insurance

401K Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

JRAD in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Biologist to support the Department of Homeland Security on a government site.

Responsibilities include analyzing environmental samples for hazardous biological and chemical agents, operating and maintaining lab instruments (PCR, ELISA, capillary electrophoresis, ECL) and using LIMS and Biomek. Flexibility to work extended hours may be required to support mission goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or similar.
• 10+ years with a Bachelor's or 6+ years with a Master's.
• 3+ years in sample prep and quantitative analysis of environmental samples (PCR/ELISA/CE) for hazardous agents.
• demonstrated analytical lab skills via proficiency testing or similar.
• Experience with QA/QC, ISO 17025, and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze environmental or air samples for acutely hazardous Biological and Chemical contamination.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (ECL, PCR, CE) and perform basic maintenance.
• Operate automated liquid handling system (Biomek).
• Use LIMS for management of laboratory analytical data.
• Participate in QA/QC and audits; maintain QAQC records and detection limits.
• Adhere to safety policies/regulations and support safety reviews and inventories.

Skills

PCR analysis

ELISA

Capillary electrophoresis

LIMS usage

Biomek automation

QA/QC documentation

ISO 17025 knowledge

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in biology/biochemistry/related

Master's degree in related field

Tools

ECL instruments

PCR instruments

Biomek robot

Capillary electrophoresis system

Job description

JRAD is seeking candidates for an immediate fill Biologist position supporting the Department of Homeland Security. This position is on Government site in Washington, DC.

Roles/Responsibilities

• Analyzes environmental or air samples for acutely hazardous Biological and Chemical contamination.
• Operates and maintains biological laboratory equipment (e.g., Electrochemiluminescence (ECL), Capillary Electrophoresis, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) instruments) and performs basic maintenance and checks on common laboratory hardware/software systems and infrastructure.
• Operates automated liquid handling system (Biomek).
• Uses Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for management of laboratory analytical data.
• Participates in laboratory proficiency testing activities as part of a strict Quality Management System (QMS) and maintains QAQC records to include performance charts, control limits, and detection and reporting limits for analytical methods governing use of laboratory instruments.
• Meticulously adheres to laboratory procedures, data management practices and safety protocols in accordance with Laboratory Quality Assurance Plans and safety policies/regulations.
• Supports formal audits of laboratory quality control systems and practices, the inspection of safety practices and the review of Job Hazard Analyses.
• Maintains inventory of lab supplies.
• Must be capable of working a flexible schedule, including starting early in the morning, working extended work days, and potential weekends and holidays on occasion, when necessary to support the mission.

Required Skills and Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline (biology, biochemistry, or similar) from an accredited college or university.
• Multiple experience level positions available from Journeyman to Senior level Biologists.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with a Bachelors Degree, or 6 years of experience with a Masters Degree.
• Must have more than 3 years of specific experience in sample preparations and quantitative analysis of environmental samples by methods such as PCR, ELISA, and capillary electrophoresis for hazardous bacteria, viruses and toxins.
• Must have demonstrated analytical laboratory skills as evidenced by participation in a Proficiency Test such as a Precision and Accuracy performance test or equivalent.
• Must have experience with quality management standards (e.g., ISO 17025 or similar), biological sample preparation methods, techniques, regulations, protocols, safety.

Security Clearance

• Must be able to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance and a Department of Homeland Security Suitability.

JRAD is committed to the health and well-being of its employees. We offer more paid time off than the average company upon hire and the following benefits are available to all full-time employees:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for unreimbursed medical & dependent day care
• Disability Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement

JRAD is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The JRAD salary range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. There are many factors considered when determining the compensation provided in an offer. These factors include, but are not limited to position responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and contract terms and conditions.