Microbiologist II (Sequencing and Serology Services)

Goldbelt Professional Services specializes in providing expert resources for Public Health missions including scientific, technical, and administrative support from junior staff to high-level subject matter experts. Research and data driven, Goldbelt Professional Services' experts create solutions customized to the client's needs.

Summary:

As the Microbiologist II the candidates shall perform specified portions of scientific work involving studies of Genomic sequencing of the samples, biological activities, and/or processes of viruses and their component parts.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform virus diagnostic and genomic sequencing, including qPCR assay, genomic sequencing using Illumina and ONT platforms.
• Perform research activities to improve, enhance or develop new assay developments with the incorporation of advanced technologies
• Maintaining cell lines, virus variants, and other reagents required for the performance of research activities, including APOBEC-related research.
• Maintaining detailed laboratory records of activities including documentation fitting for submission of results for peer-reviewed publications.
• Participate in branch international research activities to evaluate laboratory capabilities, procure equipment and reagents for diagnostic assays, and train laboratory personnel in Monkeypox virus diagnostic assays.
• Assist with ordering reagents and maintenance of laboratory space for conducting research Activities.
• Propagating and purifying Monkeypox viruses and orthopoxviruses for use in assays for validation of diagnostic assays and investigative purposes.
• Performing nucleic acid extractions on animal samples known or potentially infected with zoonotic agents, including Monkeypox virus and orthopoxvirus species.
• Maintenance and consolidation of all records as related to historical Monkeypox virus
• and orthopoxviruses, and investigation of all reagents produced during these studies.
• Analyzing data relevant to laboratory investigations as well as outbreak response efforts with skills and knowledge of bioinformatics.
• Effectively communicate research activities by presentations in lab, team, and branch meetings.
• Presentation of works in national/international conferences and preparation of
• manuscripts and research articles for publication.

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of molecular biology, virology, infectious disease diagnostics, and laboratory research methods.
• Experience performing nucleic acid extraction, qPCR testing, and routine molecular diagnostic procedures.
• Working knowledge of genomic sequencing methods, including Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platforms.
• Experience with cell culture, maintenance of cell lines, virus stocks, laboratory reagents, and research materials.
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of bioinformatics and analysis of genomic sequencing data.
• Knowledge of laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, quality assurance, contamination control, and safe handling of infectious materials.
• Ability to follow established protocols, assist with assay development and validation, troubleshoot routine laboratory issues, and accurately document results.
• Strong laboratory recordkeeping, data management, and organizational skills, including maintenance of specimen, reagent, and research records.
• Ability to analyze laboratory data and contribute to technical reports, presentations, manuscripts, and research documentation.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, including the ability to support training, laboratory coordination, and domestic or international research activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Biology, Microbiology or a related field.
• 2-5 years of relevant experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain CDC Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, virology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related scientific field.
• Approximately 2-5 years of relevant laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics, infectious disease research, virology, or public health laboratory science.
• Hands-on experience performing qPCR assays and preparing samples or libraries for genomic sequencing.
• Experience using Illumina, ONT, or comparable next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Experience with cell culture, viral propagation, nucleic acid extraction, and maintenance of laboratory reagents or biological materials.
• Familiarity with Mpox virus, orthopoxviruses, zoonotic pathogens, or other infectious disease agents.
• Experience using basic or intermediate bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis, genome assembly, alignment, or variant identification.
• Experience assisting with assay development, validation, method improvement, or implementation of new laboratory technologies.
• Experience supporting infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, or laboratory research activities.
• Experience contributing to scientific presentations, technical reports, manuscripts, training activities, or laboratory capacity-building efforts.
• Prior experience with CDC.

Pay and Benefits
At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.