Biology Technician III

Akima Systems Engineering is looking for a Biologist Technician III for the performance of laboratory duties and molecular techniques related to disease surveillance. The Biology Technician will collaborate with government scientists to assist with rapid detection of diseases that could impact public safety and economic prosperity for The National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC)

The NWHC is a science center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) with specialized laboratories dedicated to wildlife disease detection, control, and prevention. Their mission is to advance wildlife health science for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. The NWHC particularly focuses on wildlife disease as it relates to public safety (e.g., diseases that can spread to humans) and economic prosperity (e.g., diseases that can impact the agricultural industry and affect hunting/outdoor recreation). 

Rapid detection of disease agents in wildlife involves a variety of techniques, including communication with partner networks to facilitate laboratory response and testing, capturing and entering data, performing examinations and necropsies on dead wildlife, and conducting laboratory testing on samples (e.g., polymerase chain reaction, microorganism culture) to determine the cause of mortality events and determine whether a disease poses any risk to human safety or economic prosperity. The Biology Technician’s work will involve assisting with necropsies of dead animals, processing samples for laboratory testing, performing molecular work to detect disease agents, and conducting lab maintenance.

• The Biology Technician will perform the tasks described below and within written established guidelines.

• The work required is to generate scientific data and conduct appropriate analysis in support of disease investigation.

• Work conducted shall be documented, and records shall be submitted documenting progress towards task accomplishment.

• Incumbents will collaborate with USGS staff and scientists to collect data, perform analyses, and write and publish USGS report products, in accordance with fundamental science practices and quality assurance standards.

• Perform laboratory studies of fungal pathogens such as those that cause bat white-nose syndrome and snake fungal disease.

• Relies on moderate level of experience and judgement, along with instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the laboratory work.

• Provide technical support to pathologists and PIs in Necropsy activities.

• Assist with necropsies at the discretion of pathologist, submit samples to appropriate diagnostic laboratories, and dictate findings.

• Create, edit, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain a detailed laboratory notebook, and adhere to guidelines of a Quality Management System (QMS).

• Adhere to chain of custody procedures, receive and process specimens for diagnostic evaluation, maintain specimens in a secure environment and complete final disposition for legal cases.

• Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to enter data and track specimens from log-in through final disposition.

• Provide technical support for histology operations.

• Collect, curate, and prepare biological and environmental samples for nucleic acid extraction.

• Perform conventional PCR, cloning, and DNA sequencing to identify fungal strains and bat specimens to the species level.

• Perform real-time PCR to detect and quantify pathogens in samples.

• Troubleshoot various molecular biology techniques such as PCR.

• Operate laboratory equipment (balances, centrifuges, microscopes, incubators, shakers, pipettes, thermal cyclers, spectrophotometers).

• Isolate, culture, maintain, and cryopreserve live microorganisms from clinical samples.

• Assist to assemble, evaluate, and analyze data for presentation in a scientifically appropriate manner.

• Assist to assemble, evaluate, and analyze data for inclusion in reports and publications describing results.

• Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment and ensure all laboratory safety standards are met.

• Must be a US Citizen able to pass a thorough background check including criminal and financial at both the state and federal level. (note candidate cannot start until they have passed the government background check which can take at least 3 weeks from offer acceptance to obtain).

• Bachelor's degree in a Science related discipline and 1 year of field/work related lab experience.

• Experience with PCR, real-time PCR, cloning and DNA sequencing.to identify fungal strains and detect and quantify pathogens.

• Experience assisting with necropsies.

• Strong attention to detail.

• The ability to use computer software and databases to develop presentations and research reports.

Work Where it Matters

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE), an Akima company, is not just another federal systems support contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At ASE, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, ASE provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, ASE delivers solutions in maritime IT, systems engineering, and integration across the Department of Defense and stands ready to help improve operational performance at a reasonable and sustainable cost.

As an ASE employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.