Molecular Research Technician I, Silver Spring, MD

Join the team who values your skills and expertise. Cherokee Nation Operational Solutions (CNOS) provides professional services and innovative products to federal and commercial clients. CNOS helps you make the most of your skills by taking a personalized approach to solving clients' toughest challenges. This approach gives customers the support they deserve and the quality they expect from a team that can handle every detail – a team of experts, like you.

Cherokee Nation Operational Solutions is part of Cherokee Federal – a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies focused on building solutions, solving complex challenges, and serving the nation’s mission around the globe for more than 60 federal clients. For more information, visit cherokee-federal.com .

SUMMARY

The Molecular Research Technician I will serve as a laboratory technician working under the supervision of a principal investigator or contractor laboratory manager/supervisor in performing laboratory procedure and experiments as required for the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of MDRO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following:

• Serves as a laboratory technician working under the supervision of a principal investigator (Research/Clinical Scientist) or contractor laboratory manager/supervisor in performing laboratory procedure and experiments as required for the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of MDRO.
• Performs experimental work including serological assays, chemical assays, genetic and molecular biology procedures, growth of solid and liquid cultures.
• Performs routine laboratory duties required for the smooth and safe operation of laboratory such as maintaining a supply of clean glassware, properly disposing of hazardous biological and chemical waste, preparing reagents, and maintaining an inventory of laboratory chemicals.
• Collects and processes blood specimens from submitting laboratories.
• Sends the shipping supplies to submitting facilities and laboratories.
• Verifies analytic accuracy, precision, sensitivity and references ranges for test methods.
• Maintains a laboratory notebook in which accurate and complete records of laboratory work is maintained in accordance with accepted standards.
• Follows laboratory SOPs and specific written experimental protocols as well as oral instructions in performing assigned experimental work.
• Submits reports and data summaries when applicable.
• Complies with occupational health and safety standards and other applicable regulations and guidelines which may include medical surveillance.
• Participates in the development of research protocols and grant proposals and in the conduct of research related to MRSN activities.
• Attends relevant seminars, scientific conferences and meetings to the MRSN.
• Operates systems/methodologies in order to produce timely and accurate data for patients, Quality Control (QC), and proficiency testing.
• Ensures quality specimens for laboratory testing.
• Reports clinical data accurately and efficiently to ensure givers receive timely patient information.
• Works to improve and expand the skill set of others involved with this effort by communicating and maintaining team knowledge.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

This position will not have supervisory or management authority.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• AS or BS in Biology, Molecular Biology, or Microbiology
• One (1) to three (3) years' experience in clinical microbiology or molecular biology outside of an academic setting
• One (1) to three (3) years' experience with Oxford Nanopore instruments
• One (1) to three (3) years' experience working in a high-throughput sequencing environment.
• GLP/GCP training required.
• Proficiency with whole genome sequencing of bacterial samples
• Experience with performing and interpreting real-time PCR data from bacterial samples

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Experience with performing and interpreting real-time PCR data from bacterial samples.
• Proficiency in the use of Illumina and Pacific Biosciences instruments.
• Skilled in performing rapid response testing for potential Carbapenems Producing Organisms (CPO).
• Ability to perform genomic extraction, library preparation and whole genome sequencing on bacterial surveillance samples.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment using critical thinking skills and decisive judgement with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform work that requires frequent standing, walking, lifting, grasping and repetitive motion.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling climbing, and overhead lifting is required
• Ability to successfully pass a drug screen and background investigation

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work will be primarily performed in a climate-controlled office environment.
• Cherokee Federal has suspended it’s COVID mandate. However it’s important to note that Cherokee Federal employees are included as covered employees in U.S. Presidential Executive Order 14042, which mandates Covid vaccines for federal contractors. Executive Order 14042 is currently not subject to enforcement by the Federal government. Therefore, Cherokee Federal has suspended application of the mandate and continues to monitor the government’s guidance on administration of any vaccine requirement.

ABOUT THE TEAM
Cherokee Federal is a division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, the economic engine of Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. As a trusted partner, the Cherokee Federal team of companies manages nearly 2,000 projects of all sizes across the construction, engineering and manufacturing and mission solutions portfolios — ranging from advanced data analytics and telehealth to cybersecurity, cloud and logistics.

Since 2012, our team of companies has won $6 billion in government contracts and completed more than 5,300 federal missions. Our 3,600+ employees work in 20+ countries, 50 states and 2 U.S. territories.

Why Cherokee Federal? Visit cherokee-federal.com to learn why you should join our team!

COMPLIANCE

Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and we prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing compensation. . If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please copy and paste the links to the following two sites: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf and https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/ofccp_eeo_supplement_final_jrf_qa_508c.pdf

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may e-mail CNB.Compliance@cn-bus.com for assistance. This email address is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the application process or status. Please do not send email request pertaining to recruiting as this email box is not for resumes or follow up on job applications.

For Pay Transparency Non Discrimination provision, please copy and paste the following link : https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf

We maintain an Affirmative Action Plan for proactively seeking employment and advancement for qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Upon request, we will schedule time Tuesdays – Thursdays from 10:00am – 2:00pm CST to make applicable Affirmative Action Plans accessible. Please submit a written request with the email subject line: 2021 Request to View Affirmative Action Plan to the Compliance Administrator at CNB.Compliance@cn-bus.com .

Please do not send email for job application follow-up or staffing advertisement/request pertaining to recruiting as this email box is not for resumes or job applications.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-BB1