Microbiologist

ASRT, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ASRT, Inc. is seeking a Microbiologist in Atlanta, GA to provide microbiological and molecular biology support for fungal pathogen research within the CDC‑affiliated program.

The role focuses on NGS library prep, sequencing workflows, SOP development, and collaboration with project scientists to advance brain-safe, publication‑ready results. The candidate should have 2–4 years of molecular lab experience, CLIA familiarity, and strong data interpretation skills, with excellent English

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Biology, Medical Technology, Microbiology, or related discipline.
• 2-4 years of research experience involving nucleic acids, real-time PCR, ELISA, and diagnostic lab methods.
• Experience with antifungal testing methodologies.
• Experience writing SOPs.
• Experience coordinating on/off-site lab activities.
• Familiarity with fungal identification in clinical specimens.
• Experience in a CLIA environment.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with Oxford Nanopore sequencing software (Basespace, MinKnow).

Responsibilities

• Develop NGS sample prep and sequencing methods for fungal pathogens (genomics/metagenomics/amplicon sequencing).
• Perform library prep and QC; operate NGS equipment (MiSeq) and troubleshoot with project scientists.
• Develop and execute complex molecular biology protocols for NGS libraries.
• Serve as in-house NGS expert; collaborate with bioinformaticians and CDC groups.
• Keep up with advancements in sequencing technologies and applications.
• Write standard operating procedures.
• Manage inventory of supplies and reagents.
• Contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.
• Assist training of federal staff, fellows, and visiting scientists.

Skills

PCR & ELISA

SOP writing

Lab coordination

Excel/Office

Nanopore sequencing

Critical thinking

Independent worker

Education

BS/BA in Biology/Microbiology/Medical Technology

Tools

Basespace

MinKnow

Oxford Nanopore

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Microbiologist

Position Number: 2608-17961-Micro-01

Position Location: Atlanta, GA, USA

Anticipated Start Date: Two weeks after candidate identification

Travel: As required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position

ASRT, Inc. provides scientific, information management, management consulting, bioinformatics, and administrative program support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other Federal and private sector clients The successful candidate will be a full‑time employee of ASRT, Inc. and will be assigned to the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases (DFWED), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA.

Scope of Work

The Microbiologist will provide microbiological and molecular biology support for the Mycotic Diseases Branch as related to branch activities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop NGS sample preparation and sequencing methods as applied to the detection and characterization of fungal pathogens, including genomics, metagenomics, and amplicon sequencing.
• Conducting library preparation and quality control, setting up NGS DNA sequencer (e.g., MiSeq) and associated equipment operation, developing molecular biology method and interacting with project scientists for troubleshooting and implementing process improvements.
• Develop and execute complex molecular biology protocols, specifically various NGS-based library preparation protocols.
• Serve as the in-house NGS expert; collaborate with bioinformaticians, internal CDC groups (i.e., Office of Advanced Molecular Detection).
• Stay up to date with technological advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing and genomic/metagenomic applications
• Write standard operating procedures.
• Inventory management; maintain an adequate inventory of supplies, reagents, etc.
• Contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist in the training of others such as, federal employees, contracting staff, fellows, as well as, external partners, such as visiting scientist and students.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• BS/BA in Biology, Medical Technology, Microbiology, or related discipline.

Required:

• 2-4 years of research experience involving preparation and handling of nucleic acid samples, real-time PCR, ELISA, and other standard and diagnostic laboratory methods.
• Experience working with antifungal testing methodologies.
• Experience writing laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Experience coordinating on and off-site laboratory activities between multiple laboratory facilities.
• Familiarity with fungal names and methods for detecting and identifying fungi in clinical specimens.
• Experience working in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) environment.
• Experience working within a Quality Management System.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with Oxford Nanopore long read sequencing Software knowledge (Examples: Basespace, Microsoft Suite, MinKnow)
• Ability to think critically and creatively to generate and execute ideas to impact project goals positively
• Ability to perform duties independently; requiring action and judgment to solve commonly encountered problems

Desirable:

• Advanced degree in Biology, Microbiology or related discipline.
• Experience working in a similar capacity in a Public Health setting.
• Ability to work and build coalitions with partners involved, and develop strategies to effectively convey information to partners.
• Ability to work independently and yet maintain the flexibility to respond to stakeholder needs.

Language Skills:

• The candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Requirement:

• Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident or have authorization for employment in the United States.

Salary:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.