Microbiologist II (Sequencing and Serology Services)

Goldbelt, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

Job summary

Goldbelt Professional Services seeks a Microbiologist II to lead genomic sequencing and diagnostic efforts on viral samples, including Monkeypox-related research, while maintaining rigorous laboratory records and supporting international collaborations.

Ideal candidates will have molecular biology, virology, and bioinformatics skills, with experience in qPCR and sequencing platforms, and a commitment to biosafety and data integrity.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of molecular biology, virology, and infectious disease diagnostics.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, and molecular diagnostics.
• Familiarity with Illumina and ONT sequencing platforms.
• Experience in cell culture and maintaining reagents and materials.
• Basic bioinformatics and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform virus diagnostic work and genomic sequencing using Illumina and ONT platforms.
• Develop and improve assays with advanced technologies; maintain records for publications.
• Maintain cell lines and virus stocks; support APOBEC research initiatives.
• Document results meticulously for peer-reviewed submissions and reports.
• Collaborate on international research activities and train staff as needed.

Skills

Molecular biology

Virology

qPCR

Genomic sequencing

Cell culture

Bioinformatics

Laboratory documentation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology or Microbiology

Master's Degree in microbiology or related field

Tools

Illumina sequencing

Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT)

Job description

Overview

Goldbelt Professional Services specializes in providing expert resources for Public Health missions including scientific, technical, and administrative support from junior staff to high-level subject matter experts. Research and data driven, Goldbelt Professional Services' experts create solutions customized to the client's needs.

Summary: As the Microbiologist II the candidates shall perform specified portions of scientific work involving studies of Genomic sequencing of the samples, biological activities, and/or processes of viruses and their component parts.

Responsibilities

• Perform virus diagnostic and genomic sequencing, including qPCR assay, genomic sequencing using Illumina and ONT platforms.
• Perform research activities to improve, enhance or develop new assay developments with the incorporation of advanced technologies
• Maintaining cell lines, virus variants, and other reagents required for the performance of research activities, including APOBEC-related research.
• Maintaining detailed laboratory records of activities including documentation fitting for submission of results for peer-reviewed publications.
• Participate in branch international research activities to evaluate laboratory capabilities, procure equipment and reagents for diagnostic assays, and train laboratory personnel in Monkeypox virus diagnostic assays.
• Assist with ordering reagents and maintenance of laboratory space for conducting research Activities.
• Propagating and purifying Monkeypox viruses and orthopoxviruses for use in assays for validation of diagnostic assays and investigative purposes.
• Performing nucleic acid extractions on animal samples known or potentially infected with zoonotic agents, including Monkeypox virus and orthopoxvirus species.
• Maintenance and consolidation of all records as related to historical Monkeypox virus
• and orthopoxviruses, and investigation of all reagents produced during these studies.
• Analyzing data relevant to laboratory investigations as well as outbreak response efforts with skills and knowledge of bioinformatics.
• Effectively communicate research activities by presentations in lab, team, and branch meetings.
• Presentation of works in national/international conferences and preparation of
• manuscripts and research articles for publication.

Qualifications

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of molecular biology, virology, infectious disease diagnostics, and laboratory research methods.
• Experience performing nucleic acid extraction, qPCR testing, and routine molecular diagnostic procedures.
• Working knowledge of genomic sequencing methods, including Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platforms.
• Experience with cell culture, maintenance of cell lines, virus stocks, laboratory reagents, and research materials.
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of bioinformatics and analysis of genomic sequencing data.
• Knowledge of laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, quality assurance, contamination control, and safe handling of infectious materials.
• Ability to follow established protocols, assist with assay development and validation, troubleshoot routine laboratory issues, and accurately document results.
• Strong laboratory recordkeeping, data management, and organizational skills, including maintenance of specimen, reagent, and research records.
• Ability to analyze laboratory data and contribute to technical reports, presentations, manuscripts, and research documentation.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, including the ability to support training, laboratory coordination, and domestic or international research activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Biology, Microbiology or a related field.
• 2-5 years of relevant experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain CDC Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, virology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related scientific field.
• Approximately 2-5 years of relevant laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics, infectious disease research, virology, or public health laboratory science.
• Hands-on experience performing qPCR assays and preparing samples or libraries for genomic sequencing.
• Experience using Illumina, ONT, or comparable next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Experience with cell culture, viral propagation, nucleic acid extraction, and maintenance of laboratory reagents or biological materials.
• Familiarity with Mpox virus, orthopoxviruses, zoonotic pathogens, or other infectious disease agents.
• Experience using basic or intermediate bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis, genome assembly, alignment, or variant identification.
• Experience assisting with assay development, validation, method improvement, or implementation of new laboratory technologies.
• Experience supporting infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, or laboratory research activities.
• Experience contributing to scientific presentations, technical reports, manuscripts, training activities, or laboratory capacity-building efforts.
• Prior experience with CDC.

Pay and Benefits

At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.