Laboratory Senior Scientist II

CORTEK; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CORTEK is seeking a Laboratory Senior Scientist II to support the DHS BioWatch program. This role requires deep expertise in biology and environmental sample analysis, with responsibilities including study design, data evaluation, QA oversight, and coordination of lab operations.

The candidate will collaborate with the Federal Director of Laboratory Operations and Biodetection QA leadership, travel as required, and maintain strong communication across teams while ensuring accuracy and regulatory

Qualifications

• Masters or Doctorate in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in laboratory-based science generating analytical results from testing of clinical or environmental samples.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy and quality assurance.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform the functions of a technical expert in the relevant scientific field in support of major programs or system development.
• Apply scientific expertise in defining and resolving system issues, performing analysis, and developing plans and requirements in the subject-matter area for complex systems.
• Support planning activities for multicenter studies, and short-term testing activities to resolve technical issues.
• Coordinate technical consultation requests and track to satisfactory outcomes.
• Coordinate and manage the preparation of analysis, evaluations, and recommendations for proper implementation of programs and systems.
• Support the Federal Director of Laboratory Operations in applying scientific expertise in defining and resolving system issues, performing analysis, and developing plans and requirements in the subject matter area for complex systems.
• Provide technical review, comments, and recommendations on laboratory operations reports received from various sources.
• Develop study plans and evaluate data and/or reports related to efforts to optimize laboratory processes.
• Consult with local Biodetection Laboratories found to have discrepancies from QA audits and proficiency tests and track corrective action implementation.
• Conduct periodic reviews of SOPs and QAPPs and update as necessary.
• Perform expert functions in the relevant scientific field supporting major programs or system development.
• Coordinate and manage the preparation of analysis, evaluations, and recommendations for properly implementing programs and systems.
• Triage shared laboratory operations inbox.
• Manage laboratory operations meetings and distribute notes.
• Travel as required.

Skills

Laboratory expertise

Communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

MS Office

Education

Masters or Doctorate in Biology/related field

Tools

SharePoint

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

Job Title

Laboratory Senior Scientist II

Location

Remote

Opportunity Overview

CORTEK is seeking a Laboratory Senior Scientist II in support of the Department of Homeland Security BioWatch program.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform the functions of a technical expert in the relevant scientific field in support of major programs or system development.
• Apply scientific expertise in defining and resolving system issues, performing analysis, and developing plans and requirements in the subject-matter area for complex systems.
• Support planning activities for multicenter studies, and short-term testing activities to resolve technical issues.
• Coordinate technical consultation requests and track to satisfactory outcomes.
• Coordinate and manage the preparation of analysis, evaluations, and recommendations for proper implementation of programs and systems.
• Support the Federal Director of Laboratory Operations (DLO) in applying scientific expertise in defining and resolving system issues, performing analysis, and developing plans and requirements in the subject matter area for complex systems.
• Provide technical review, comments, and recommendations on laboratory operations reports received from various sources.
• Develop study plans and evaluate data and/or reports related to efforts to optimize laboratory processes, including, but not limited to, processing of environmental samples, analytical techniques, and technological changes.
• Consult with local Biodetection Laboratories found to have discrepancies from Quality Assurance (QA) Program audits and proficiency tests and track corrective action implementation in coordination with the Biodetection Director of QA and the Biodetection Director of Laboratory Operations or their designee(s).
• Conduct periodic reviews of the Biodetection Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Laboratory Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP) at the direction of the DLO, and update as necessary.
• Perform expert functions in the relevant scientific field supporting major programs or system development.
• Coordinate and manage the preparation of analysis, evaluations, and recommendations for properly implementing programs and systems.
• Triage shared laboratory operations inbox.
• Manage laboratory operations meetings, including scheduling, developing agendas, capturing action items and highlights, and distributing notes following meetings.
• Travel as required

Required Qualifications

• Masters or Doctorate degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in laboratory-based science generating analytical results from testing of clinical or environmental samples.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy and quality assurance.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Clearance

Must have an active Secret Clearance and must be able to obtain DHS Suitability.

About CORTEK

Founded in 2003, CORTEK is a distinguished Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) terrorism prevention, Counter-WMD (CWMD) support services, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Privacy Act support. With over a decade of experience, CORTEK has delivered mission-critical solutions to government clients, including the Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Defense (DoD).

Our proven track record includes 12 years of incumbency on DOS contracts supporting WMD threat mitigation and consequence management programs and comprehensive support for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) technical and strategic objectives across Physical and Biological Sciences, Engineering, Policy, and Operations. Additionally, CORTEK has provided onsite analytical support for the Department of the Army Headquarters (HQDA) at the Pentagon.

At CORTEK, relationships are at the heart of what we do. We pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach, leveraging proven management processes to deliver tailored solutions that drive client success. Our focus on excellence, innovation, and competitive value throughout the project management lifecycle makes CORTEK a trusted partner. Curious to learn more? Visit us at CORTEK.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

CORTEK is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace by hiring and retaining talented individuals from all backgrounds. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. As an EEO employer, CORTEK complies with Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination and posts notices outlining these protections in accordance with applicable regulations.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests

CORTEK is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail [e-mail] or call Human Resources at (727)-292-1521. We will decide on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

E-Verify

As a Federal Contractor, we are required to use E-Verify to validate employees' ability to work legally in the United States.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination

CORTEK will not discharge or, in any other manner, discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay.

Salary

Salary: $1 - $1 per year