Overview
Biologist Position (International Activities)
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
A term-limited FTE position at the GS-12 or GS-13 level is 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 position will support the branch in the Gonorrhea Team by serving as the laboratory representative for the Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (EGASP). The incumbent will establish relationships with international public health colleagues and provide laboratory technical assistance related to antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae to international EGASP partners. Duties and Responsibilities will include: manage and provide support for EGASP laboratory activities; perform assays and analysis in accordance with established laboratory/clinical practices and procedures; develop, validate, and implement new laboratory assays, molecular typing or diagnostic assays, whole genome sequencing, or bioinformatics analyses; develop technical guidance or standard operating procedures. Follow required quality management requirements.
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 antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and international surveillance.
3. Demonstrated technical activity involvement with antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular genetics, molecular diagnostic assays (e.g., PCR), or whole genome sequencing.
4. Demonstrated initiative in evaluating, troubleshooting, and implementing new technologies.
5. Demonstrated skills in providing high-quality data, analyses, and reporting to the scientific community.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
7. Excellent project management, organizational, and analytical skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a timely manner. Good critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with QMS requirements.
8. Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams and international public health partners.
9. Willingness to travel internationally (~30%).
Basic Educational Qualifications:
Degree: Applicant must have a master’s or equivalent graduate degree plus at least two-years specialized experience; or must have a PhD degree or equivalent plus at least one-year specialized experience. 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 Jennifer Reimche (nkv3@cdc.gov) with copies to Marlowe Thompson (ouu2@cdc.gov). Please include the text “CDC-NCHHSTP-GC-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.
