Biologist

Joint Research and Development; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberm

Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts

Disability Insurance

401K Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

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.

Role involves analyzing environmental samples, operating key laboratory instruments, and maintaining QA/QC processes in a regulated environment with potential for a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Multiple experience level positions from Journeyman to Senior Biologists.
• 10 years experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 6 years with a Master's degree.
• 3+ years experience in sample preparations and quantitative analysis of environmental samples by PCR, ELISA, and capillary electrophoresis.
• Demonstrated analytical lab skills via proficiency testing or equivalent.
• Experience with quality management standards (ISO 17025 or similar).

Responsibilities

• Analyzes environmental or air samples for acutely hazardous Biological and Chemical contamination.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment (ECL, capillary electrophoresis, PCR instruments) and performs basic maintenance.
• Operates automated liquid handling system (Biomek).
• Uses LIMS for management of laboratory analytical data.
• Participates in QA/QC records and proficiency testing; maintains QAQC documentation.
• Maintains safety protocols and quality assurance plans.
• Supports audits of laboratory quality control systems and safety practices.
• Maintains inventory of lab supplies.
• Capable of flexible schedule including early starts, extended days, and occasional weekends/holidays.

Skills

PCR & ELISA analysis

QA/QC proficiency

LIMS experience

Safety procedures

ISO 17025 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

ECL instruments

Capillary electrophoresis

PCR instruments

Biomek automation

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.

When you work for JRAD you will never be just a number. We put people before profits!

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. These factors include, but are not limited to position responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and contract terms and conditions.