Molecular Assay Lab Tech

Cherokee Federal; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

401K

Job summary

Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is seeking a Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV to provide advanced lab support for assay development and molecular diagnostics at Fort Detrick, MD. You will work in BSL-2/3/4 environments using PCR, sequencing, and enrichment techniques while maintaining rigorous documentation.

The role requires strong biology background, ability to work with clinical/environmental samples, and independent execution of experiments under PI supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field with relevant lab experience.
• Experience performing molecular biology and microbiological techniques including PCR, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification, and sequencing prep.
• Experience in BSL-2/BSL-3/BSL-4 containment environments and handling pathogenic materials.
• Experience with automated and manual nucleic acid extraction systems (QIAgen EZ1, MagNA Pure, Zymo).
• Experience with cell culture, viral culture, bacterial growth, and handling live virus/human cells.
• Experience in assay development, verification/validation of diagnostic technologies, and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and with PIs in a high-containment setting; strong documentation skills.
• Experience maintaining laboratory records, SOPs, and technical reports; equipment and suite management.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills; team collaboration in research settings.
• BPRP enrollment is required; must pass Cherokee Federal pre-employment qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories for assay development.
• Conduct testing and data analysis on etiologic agents in clinical and environmental samples.
• Prepare nucleic acids, libraries, and perform sequencing prep.
• Process samples using robotic and manual extraction methods.
• Handle live virus and human cells according to safety protocols.
• Support documentation and reporting to PIs; SOPs and manuscripts when needed.
• Maintain equipment and ensure suite integrity and safety testing.
• Coordinate laboratory personnel and provide senior-level supervision as required.
• Travel may be required CONUS/OCONUS to support diagnostic missions.

Skills

Molecular biology

Microbiology

Molecular diagnostics

Assay development

PCR

Next-generation sequencing

Data analysis

Documentation

Laboratory management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related

Tools

QIAgen EZ1

MagNA Pure

Zymo extraction kits

Real-time PCR

Digital PCR

MAGPIX

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

***This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered. ***

As required by our governmental client, this position requires being a US Citizen.

Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is seeking a Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV to provide technical laboratory support for assay development, molecular diagnostics, and mission-critical research at Fort Detrick, Maryland. In this role, you will perform laboratory experiments in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories using next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR, digital PCR, MAGPIX, molecular enrichment, microbiology, and other molecular diagnostic techniques. You will execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize data, support technical documentation, maintain laboratory equipment and suite integrity, and facilitate the execution of research activities.

The successful candidate will possess strong laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and assay development, with the ability to independently execute experiments and analyze results. The position requires experience working with biological materials, clinical and environmental samples, and laboratory systems within high-containment environments. The successful candidate must also demonstrate strong documentation, communication, organizational, and laboratory management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with principal investigators and laboratory personnel.

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV: $70,000 - $75,000

Pay commensurate with experience.

• Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided.
• Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV Responsibilities Include:

• Perform laboratory work necessary to fulfill experimental requirements for assay development as determined in collaboration with the respective Project Investigator (PI) in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories.
• Conduct experiments, perform testing, and analyze data for the detection of etiologic agents within animal and clinical samples originating from BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 containment suites.
• Perform molecular techniques including nucleic acid amplification technologies such as PCR and isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification, and sample and library preparation for next-generation sequencing as required by the PI.
• Perform sample processing techniques to generate nucleic acid material for molecular diagnostic testing using both robotic systems and manual preparation techniques, including QIAgen EZ1, MagNA Pure, and Zymo extraction kits.
• Perform microbiological techniques, including manipulation of live virus and human cells, cell culture, viral culture, and bacterial growth, as required by the PI.
• Support laboratory experiments involving pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, clinical and environmental samples containing unknown pathogens, biothreat agents, and other biologically derived materials that pose human pathogenic risk.
• Perform independent verification and validation of novel diagnostic technologies as required by the PI.
• Execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize experimental data, and support mission-critical research activities.
• Maintain well-documented digital or physical records of experimentation and provide documentation to the PI upon request.
• Assist PIs in preparing standard operating procedures, technical reports, and manuscripts for publication as required.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and suite integrity, including preventative maintenance and safety testing.
• Assist the suite supervisor and perform suite supervisor duties for laboratories used by the Division, including maintaining knowledge of instruments, chemicals, and biological work conducted in the laboratories.
• Order supplies necessary for department projects, revise suite-specific manuals, conduct suite orientations, and coordinate personnel working in assigned laboratories.
• Present protocols and data generated during weekly meetings and monthly assemblies as required.
• Facilitate execution of mission-critical research and perform other duties as assigned.
• CONUS/OCONUS travel may be required in support of the diagnostic mission.

Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, with relevant laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics, microbiology, assay development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience performing molecular biology and microbiological techniques, including PCR, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification, molecular enrichment, and next-generation sequencing sample and library preparation.
• Experience performing laboratory work in BSL-2, BSL-3, and/or BSL-4 containment environments and handling pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, clinical samples, environmental samples, or other biologically derived materials that pose human pathogenic risk.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction and sample processing using automated and manual systems, including QIAgen EZ1, MagNA Pure, and Zymo extraction kits.
• Experience with cell culture, viral culture, bacterial growth, and manipulation of live virus and human cells, as required for laboratory research.
• Experience conducting assay development, experimental testing, verification and validation of diagnostic technologies, and analysis of laboratory data.
• Ability to independently execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize experimental data, and communicate findings to PIs and multidisciplinary laboratory teams.
• Experience maintaining detailed laboratory records and assisting with the preparation of standard operating procedures, technical reports, manuscripts, protocols, and other scientific documentation.
• Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supporting laboratory suite operations, including preventative maintenance, safety testing, supply ordering, manual revision, suite orientation, and coordination of laboratory personnel.
• Strong organizational, analytical, technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and mission-critical research requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with PIs, laboratory personnel, supervisors, and other project stakeholders in a high-containment research environment.
• BPRP enrollment is required and will be held and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the contract and all applicable regulations.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting molecular diagnostic assay development and testing within BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory environments.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR, digital PCR, MAGPIX, molecular enrichment, and other molecular diagnostic platforms or technologies.
• Experience supporting verification and validation of novel diagnostic technologies and translating experimental results into technical documentation.
• Experience performing laboratory suite management or supervisory functions, including equipment maintenance, safety testing, supply management, laboratory orientation, and coordination of personnel.
• Experience working with clinical and environmental samples and biological materials containing unknown pathogens or biothreat agents.

Company Information:

Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is a part of Cherokee Federal – the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government’s mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CNIH, visit cherokee-federal.com.

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Similar Searchable Job Titles

• Molecular Assay Laboratory Technician
• Molecular Biology Laboratory Technician
• Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Technician
• Microbiology Laboratory Technician

Keywords

• Molecular Assay Development
• Real-Time PCR & Digital PCR
• Cell Culture & Viral Culture
• Clinical & Environmental Sample Processing
• Laboratory Equipment & Suite Management
• Technical Reports, SOPs & Scientific Documentation
• Biological Sample Handling
• Mission-Critical Research

Legal Disclaimer:

Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit cherokee-federal.com/careers for information regarding our Affrimative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement, and Accommodation request.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.