Microbiologist I

Great Hill Solutions, LLC is part of the Seneca Nation Group (SNG) portfolio of companies**. SNG** is Seneca Holdings' federal government contracting business that meets mission-critical needs of federal civilian, defense, and intelligence community customers. Our portfolio comprises multiple subsidiaries that participate in the Small Business Administration 8(a) program. To learn more about SNG, visit the website and follow us on LinkedIn.

Our team of talented individuals is what makes us successful. To support our team, we provide a balanced mix of benefits and programs. Your total rewards package includes competitive pay, benefits, and perks, flexible work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and performance and recognition programs. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability, voluntary benefit programs (critical illness, hospital, and accident), health savings and flexible spending accounts, and retirement 401K plan. One of our fundamental principles is to offer competitive health and welfare benefits to our team members, providing coverage and care for you and your family. Full-time employees working at least 30 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefits and paid leave programs. We pride ourselves on our collaborative work environment and culture, which embraces our mission of providing financial and non-financial benefits back to the members of the Seneca Nation.

Great Hill is seeking a Microbiologist I to support our team in Atlanta, GA.

The successful candidate will be assigned to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Bacterial Diseases (DBD), Meningitis, Pertussis and Diphtheria Laboratory (MPDL) Branch and Meningitis, Pertussis and Diphtheria Epidemiology (MPDE) Branch which are dedicated to the prevention and control of meningitis, pertussis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide technical support for molecular and serological diagnosis of pertussis and diphtheria. Provide laboratory technical support services for molecular and serologic diagnosis, molecular subtyping including genome-based typing systems, and genomic and proteomic analysis of pertussis and diphtheria etiologic agents. Includes the following sub-tasks:

1. Perform molecular and serologic-based assays in support of the Pertussis and Diphtheria Reference Laboratory such as real-time PCR, DNA sequencing, genome-based typing systems and immunologic assays, including conventional and electro chemiluminescent ELISAs, Luminex bead-based assays, western blots, etc.
2. Collaborate on the development and validation of novel diagnostic and molecular typing techniques for Bordetella and Corynebacterium species.
3. Assist in providing support to other areas of the PDL Team (data analysis, specimen management).
4. Perform assays as needed during pertussis and diphtheria outbreak responses or special requests.
5. Collaborate on the development and validation of novel diagnostic assays for Bordetella and Corynebacterium species
6. Collaborate closely with other epidemiologists/coordinators in other CDC and MPDE domestic and international programs
7. Support development and validation of diagnostics tests, molecular typing systems including advanced molecular detection techniques (genomics, transcriptomes, proteomes), and laboratory diagnosis support during outbreak responses. Since MPDE, CDC is a global resource for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, pertussis and diphtheria and for the taxonomy of the microorganisms involved with these diseases, this project should enhance these important functions.
8. Perform a variety of lab experiments in support of research programs and projects of PDL. Responsibilities will include ability to follow laboratory protocols and conduct microbiological, serological, antibiotic resistance, and molecular biology procedures to accomplish laboratory research goals.
9. Assist in performing domestic and international laboratory training to support surveillance as well as clinical validation of laboratory tests related to the diagnosis of these diseases.
10. Perform inventory management as well as ordering and distribution of panels for proficiency testing if requested.
11. Ensure Compliance with Laboratory Safety procedures and regulations, Quality Management System (QMS) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations and maintain assigned laboratory areas, equipment and protocols in compliance with local and federal requirements for quality, safety and security.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• BS degree in Life Sciences to include Biology, Microbiology, or closely related field with compatible work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bioinformatics experience (both wet and dry lab)
• Proficient in writing scientific papers
• Whole genome sequencing experience

Desirable: 

• Ability to collaborate with scientists in diverse research, development, and production laboratories.
• Knowledge of CDC laboratory policy, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining the flexibility to respond to the needs of the laboratory team.

Language Skills:

• The candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English.  

REQUIREMENT:

• Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident or have authorization for employment in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
Seneca Holdings provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetic information and/or predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status, veteran status, or other protected class status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training. The Company also prohibits retaliation against any employee who exercises his or her rights under applicable anti-discrimination laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company does give hiring preference to Seneca or Native individuals. Veterans with expertise in these areas are highly encouraged to apply.