Laboratory Technician
The Laboratory Technician will assist in the culture of medically important mosquitoes that can transmit a variety of pathogens, perform morphological authentication of these stocks, perform bioassays and experiments, and assist in preparing and distributing mosquitoes to collaborators. This position works 40 hours per week, which will consist of some weekend and holiday work. The staff member will be hired by, and an employee of, the CDC Foundation and assigned to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Roybal campus in Atlanta, Georgia. The staff member will support the Entomology Branch in the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health (CGH).
Qualifications and Skills Necessary:
- B.S. degree in entomology, genetics, biology, public health, or related science (or minimum two years of equivalent experience)
- Laboratory experience in molecular techniques (DNA sequencing, PCR, cloning in plasmid vectors, etc.) or the handling and rearing of insects preferred
- Experience in performing laboratory maintenance activities
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated success as a team player
- Ability to interact with individuals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds
- Demonstrated ability to make efficient judgments regarding priorities and be largely self-directed
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and high level of accuracy
- Highly capable of tracking, summarizing, and reporting lab activities
- Demonstrated ability to plan and manage time and effort to ensure high quality materials are produced
- Proven ability to compile and analyze basic lab data
- Proficient use of different computer programs (Microsoft Office and lab analysis software)
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct daily tasks associated with the rearing and maintenance of mosquito colonies
- Assist in insectary operations and conduct general laboratory maintenance, including cleaning
- Occasionally rear kissing bug and tick colonies
- Follow established biosafety protocols and procedures and attend necessary safety trainings
- Write and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Perform molecular and morphological authentication assays for mosquito colony maintenance
- Handle and work with laboratory animals (rabbits) as needed for maintenance of mosquito colonies
- Execute experiments per the guidance of project leadership
- Maintain thorough systematic records (paper and electronic) and related documents
- Support data compilation, archiving, analysis, and reporting
- As required by the project, participate in limited travel
- Other duties as assigned
The CDC Foundation requires all employees to be fully vaccinated* for COVID-19 as a condition of employment effective November 22, 2021. All offers of employment after that date are contingent upon proof of full-vaccination status as a part of the pre-employment process.
*Fully vaccinated is defined as follows: At least two weeks have passed since receipt of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, or the second dose of the either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech two-dose vaccines.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.
We comply with all applicable laws including E.O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 governing employment practices and do not discriminate on the basis of any unlawful criteria in accordance with 41 C.F.R. §§ 60-300.5(a)(12) and 60-741.5(a)(7). As a federal government contractor, we take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.
The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free environment.
Relocation expenses are not included.