Akima System Engineering is looking for an experienced and qualified Biology Technician III to perform the tasks described below and within written established guidelines.  The position will assist with laboratory testing, vaccine virus cultivation, performing molecular work to detect disease agents, and conducting lab maintenance and periodic fieldwork.

THE MISSION:

The work required is to generate scientific data and conduct appropriate analysis in support of disease research and management activities. Work conducted shall be documented, and records shall be submitted documenting progress towards task accomplishment. The Biology Technician 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.

The National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) is a science center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) with specialized laboratories dedicated to wildlife disease detection, control, and prevention. Our 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). The center supports laboratory duties and molecular techniques related to disease surveillance.

Research on the ecology and management of disease in wildlife involves a variety of techniques, including communication with partner networks to facilitate fieldwork, conducting laboratory testing on samples (e.g., polymerase chain reaction, microorganism culture) to determine the outcome of management activities, and the production and distribution of vaccine for use in mitigating specific diseases.  

The Technician will perform laboratory studies of fungal pathogens such as those that cause bat white-nose syndrome and produce vaccine virus.  Details of duties are as described below: 

• Relies on moderate level of experience and judgement, along with instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the laboratory work.
• Provide technical support to PI and co-PIs.
• Create, edit, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain a detailed laboratory notebook, and adhere to guidelines of a Quality Management System (QMS).
• Receive and process specimens for evaluation, maintain specimens in a secure environment and complete final disposition.
• Collect, curate, and prepare biological and environmental samples for nucleic acid extraction.
• Perform real-time PCR to detect and quantify pathogens in samples.
• Cultivate vaccine virus using a biofermenter.
• Quantify virus titer using traditional virologic methods
• Troubleshoot various molecular biology techniques such as PCR.
• Operate laboratory equipment (balances, centrifuges, microscopes, incubators, shakers, pipettes, thermal cyclers, spectrophotometers, and a biofermenter).
• 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 obtain and maintain a Department of Interior PIV card (this can take up to 30 days from offer).
• High School diploma with 1-2 years of experience in laboratory setting and a BS in a science discipline preferred.
• Able to bend, walk and tolerate moderate amounts of physical exertion in a laboratory environment Manual dexterity.
• Work involves laboratory use of hazardous chemicals and manipulation of biological hazards (bat carcasses and/or guano). 
• Participation in the Center occupational health program is required and includes medical clearance to wear a respirator and vaccinations necessary to work with wildlife.
• A Driver’s License will be required for local travel. Some travel may be required to support program tasks, such as occasional attendance at professional society meetings, trainings/workshops, or to travel to pick up or drop off samples. 

Work Where it Matters

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE), an Akima company, is not just another federal system 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.