Staff Scientist I Phoenix

A-TEK Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A-TEK Inc. is seeking a Senior Scientist/Team Leader to perform non-research biological work, including DNA extraction and real-time PCR, and to lead a laboratory team in a federal contract environment.

You will handle samples, maintain QA/QC procedures, and contribute to comprehensive reporting while ensuring GLP compliance and timely delivery of results.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in microbiology or related field with bench PCR experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of PCR/biological assays experience, including leading a lab team.
• Green Card or US Citizenship required for the federal contract.

Responsibilities

• Handle, receive, and process samples potentially containing biological threat agents.
• Prepare reagents and samples; maintain GLP familiarity.
• Maintain chain-of-custody and document records for QA/QC.
• Perform routine equipment calibration, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Prepare technical reports for the Lead Biological Scientist.

Skills

Team leadership

PCR techniques

QA/QC

Data interpretation

Education

Master's in microbiology

Bachelor's in microbiology

Tools

PCR instruments

Job description

Empower, Innovate, Impact! At Team A-TEK, we EMPOWER people to drive INNOVATION that IMPACTS mission!

A-TEK operates at the intersection of mission and innovation by applying our deep domain expertise across the federal markets. Embracing our digital-first strategy, A-TEK provides enhanced capabilities in application development, digital transformation, enterprise IT, and scientific services. Our solutions are designed to modernize, automate, secure, protect, and enhance the operations of our federal clients, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Our work is fueled by a passion to serve our clients’ needs and to protect the safety and welfare of Americans. That passion shapes how we nurture our most valuable asset – Our Employees. A-TEK actively cultivates the talent that drives our success and fosters a creative, challenging, and mission-driven work environment for current and future employees.

This position will be responsible for performing non-research biological science work utilizing microbiological and molecular techniques, including, but not limited to, DNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) to rapidly identify and characterize potential pathogenic bacterial and viral threat agents.

Responsibilities:

• Handling, receipt, and processing of operational, Quality Assurance (QA), and proficiency test (PT) samples potentially containing biological threat agents.
• Preparing reagents and samples.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Decontamination of workspaces, including Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), hoods/air boxes, equipment, and other items associated with processing and analysis activities.
• Maintaining chain-of-custody (CoC).
• Interpretation of results.
• Data entry utilizing computerized or computer-linked systems.
• Performing routine equipment calibration, cleaning, assembly, and maintenance.
• Collecting, processing, and analyzing internal laboratory swipes/swabs for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and contamination monitoring.
• Proper disposal of biohazardous waste.
• Restocking and maintaining proper inventory of necessary supplies.
• Supporting BW Program logistics in conducting and documenting annual inventory of DHS-procured durable equipment and property.
• QA/QC and acceptance testing of reagents in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the Laboratory Operations Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP).
• Adhering to QA/QC requirements in accordance with the Public Health Laboratory quality management systems and the QAPP.
• Maintaining documentation of records demonstrating compliance with applicable training/retraining, competencies, and document reviews.
• Analyzing routine external QA samples in accordance with the BW SOP’s and QA Program guidance.
• Proper archiving, storage, and shipping of samples.
• Follow and adhere to written procedures and accepted practices in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, safety, security and dress code policies, procedures, and guidelines, including DHS Safeguarding Sensitive but Unclassified (For Official Use Only) Information (January 2005) when visiting or working at Government facilities.
• Preparing written and oral technical reports, answering questions, and making recommendations to the Lead Biological Scientist for inclusion in comprehensive reports.
• Accurately performing work with confidence.
• Demonstrate competency in various testing methodologies (e.g., multi-center studies), evaluate potential products and processes against unique environmental backgrounds, and meet established deadlines.
• Must be present for all hours of the workday and be available 24/7/365 to respond in case of emergency. Rotating weekends and some holidays are required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree or Ph.D. from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology or related course work in biological sciences, and REQUIRES at least one (1) year of laboratory bench experience utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), aseptic techniques and biological assays, and at least one (1) year of experience serving as a Senior Scientist or Team Leader of a laboratory team/project.

OR

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university requires four (4) years of laboratory bench experience to include 4 (4) years of utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), aseptic techniques and biological assays, including at least one year of experience as a Team Leader/Senior Scientist. Laboratory training that is assigned or accompanies an associated course is not considered applicable training.

This position supports a federal contract which requires that all employees and job applicants hold a valid Green Card or US Citizenship at the time of application.

A-TEK, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or Vietnam era or other protected Veteran status.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in A-TEK Inc.’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.