Laboratory Technician 3 - Genomics Technical Support

Come join a company that strives for Extraordinary People and Exceptional Performance! Chenega Professional & Technical Services, LLC, a Chenega Professional Services’ company, is looking for a Genomics Lab Technician to provide laboratory support for research efforts of the Center for Genome Sciences (CGS) in BSL-2 environment. The Genomics Lab Technician will conduct basic and applied research on current and emerging threats in support of CGS programs (Systems Biology, pathogen discovery and Biosurveillance), and shall aid in the execution of scientific studies, cell culture, qRT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and high-throughput sequencing on infectious agents.

Our company offers employees the opportunity to join a team where there is a robust employee benefits program, management engagement, quality leadership, an atmosphere of teamwork, recognition for performance, and promotion opportunities. We actively strive to channel our highly engaged employee’s knowledge, critical thinking, innovative solutions for our clients.

• Perform purification of nucleic acids from inactivated viral cultures, animal tissues and human blood.
• Perform quantitation and quality control of RNA and DNA samples using Agilent Tapestation System and/or Nano Drop.
• Perform automated sequencing on Illimuna platforms (iSEq, MiniSeq, MiSeq, NextSeq 2000 and NovaSeq 6000), Oxford Nanopore (MinION and GridION) or equivalent.
• Perform conventional PCR and qRT-PCR, manual and automated library preparation including RNAseq and DNAseq, DNA size selection and fractionation including manual Agorase gel and Blue Pippin.
• Perform molecular biology work including cloning, restriction enzyme digestion, ligation, in vitro transcription, and reverse transcription.
• Assist in the preparation of standard operating procedures.
• Responsible for assessing and maintaining laboratory supplies in BSL-2. Will assess supplies and ensure supply orders are coordinated with the CGS resources. Ensure reagents in the lab are not expired and ordered periodically to avoid shortage in reagents and stops in processes. Maintain reagent, sample, and intermediary processes products inventory updated and stored in the designated areas, following biosafety guidance and CGS protocols. Receive and appropriately storage reagents and samples delivered to the CGS. Maintain laboratory records documenting sample processing, protocol design and usage, and data management that meet the current CGS and Institutional requirements.
• Communicate to the PI/ assigned TPOC experimental data, laboratory, or other task-related issues. Communicate with internal maintenance or external vendors for technical support and troubleshooting.
• Assist in training new personnel including students and other technicians as requested.
• Ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all regulatory guidance. Participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning. Main laboratory areas, benches and hoods to be decontaminated periodically to reduce possible sources of contamination, including proper disposal of waste and packaging material. Testing of emergency showers, eye washes and drainage systems to be completed IAW applicable USAMRIID SOPs. Participate in regular instrumentation washes, cleaning and maintenance.
• Contact commercial company and/or USAMRIID medical Maintenance, Clinical Engineering (CEB) when and instrument is malfunctioning or needs periodical PM, and escort engineers during the scheduled visit at USAMRIID.
• May be required to cross-train and provide laboratory technical support to other areas within the MBD as needed.
• Participate in all activities pertinent to lab performance and safety, including weekly lab clean up to avoid contaminations.
• Be primary or secondary point of contact for equipment and/or laboratory spaces (POC will be contacted by phone during emergencies, such as alarms or loss of power, and need to respond according to emergency plan for the CGS).
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
• 3 years of experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

About the Company:
Chenega Professional & Technical Services