Overview
Biologist Positions
STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (SLRRB), Division of STD Prevention
National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Multiple Title 42 (term-limited) service fellow positions at the GS-11 or GS-12 level are currently available in the STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (SLRRB), Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) within the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Duties and Responsibilities:
The multiple positions will support the branch by performing assays and surveillance testing; developing, validating, implementing and applying new laboratory methods to address public health questions; data collection, analysis and reporting. The incumbents will follow required quality management protocols, and provide laboratory technical assistance related to antimicrobial resistance testing, species identification via MALDI-TOF, molecular typing of pathogens for surveillance, whole genome sequencing, development of molecular diagnostics, and/or bioinformatic analyses. Incumbents will serve as technical representatives to public health laboratories, and contribute to scientific literature.
Qualifications:
1. Interest in public health and joining a service-oriented team.
2. Knowledge of prokaryotes, with a strong background in microbiological laboratory work. Interest in prokaryotic genomics, antibiotic resistance mechanisms and/or international surveillance.
3. Demonstrated technical activity involvement, preferred in one or more of the following: antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular genetics, molecular diagnostics assays (e.g., PCR), whole genome sequencing, or bioinformatics analyses. Demonstrated initiative in evaluating, troubleshooting and implementing new technologies.
4. Demonstrated skills in providing high-quality data, analyses and reporting to the scientific community.
5. Excellent organizational and analytical skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a timely manner.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
7. Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams.
Basic Educational Qualifications:
Degree: Applicant must have a master’s or equivalent graduate degree plus at least one-year specialized experience; or must have a PhD degree or equivalent. Degree major may be in the field of study of biological sciences, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, computational biology, public health, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of the position to include performing biological scientific studies.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit the following to Kim M Gernert (nin1@cdc.gov) with copies to Marlowe Thompson (ouu2@cdc.gov). Please include the text “CDC-NCHHSTP-SLRRB-BIOLOGIST” in the email subject line of all communications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
A one-page Cover Letter
Resume or CV
About CDC/NCHHSTP/DSTDP/STD_LRRB
STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (SLRRB), Division of STD Prevention
National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
SLRRB’s mission is to provide reference and/or research activities for sexually transmitted infections or diseases such as syphilis (Treponema pallidum), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and organisms causing emerging infections such as Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). The branch supports domestic laboratory capacity to improve laboratory-based methods for detection of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and successful treatment through evidence-based laboratory science regarding diagnostics and clinical intervention strategies. Specific SLRRB activities include (1) conducting and participating in clinical, field, and laboratory research to develop, evaluate, and improve laboratory diagnostic capacity, (2) develop and publish laboratory guidelines, drug therapies, and epidemiologic tools for STDs, (3) conduct laboratory assessment of antimicrobial resistance in STD pathogens; (4) consult with and support laboratory efforts for domestic and international activities including serving as a World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) collaborating center for STDs, and collaboration with NIH, FDA, NCI, and other government agencies. The SLRRB provides subject matter expertise to collaborative centers domestically and globally.
