Molecular Assay Lab Tech

Molecular Assay Lab Tech IVFrederick, MD, United States (On-site)This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered.Position Summary: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.Compensation & Benefits:Starting Salary Range for Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV: $70,000 – $75,000Benefits That Set Us ApartWhen considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protectionBecause taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:Includes the following:
• 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.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.Supervisory Responsibilities:No supervisory/management authorityBasic Qualifications:
• 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.
• This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• 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.Work Environment:Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.Company Information:Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Integrated Health, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.In compliance with Maryland’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the salary range for this position is $70,000 – $75,000 and is available to applicants upon request.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) StatementCherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at careers@cherokee-federal.com.