Overview:
The CDC Foundation seeks candidates for a full-time microbiologist to support the development and validation of diagnostic tests for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, ascariasis, hookworm, leishmaniasis, and leprosy. Current tests for these diseases often rely on labor-intensive detection of parasite life cycle stages in blood, urine, feces, or skin. The goals of this project are to identify new biomarkers for these parasitic infections and develop tests that conform to established target product profiles (TPPs) for each of the diseases. Many biomarkers have already been identified and are ready for test development. The microbiologist will support various laboratory-based tasks including expression and purification of recombinant proteins and use of serological techniques to support assay development. If funding and opportunities exist, the microbiologist may participate in field assessment of tests, including international travel. The microbiologist will work in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) subject matter experts and other partners.
This full-time position will be hired by the CDC Foundation and assigned to the Laboratory Science and Diagnostics Branch within the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria (DPDM), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at CDC’s Roybal campus. This is an outstanding opportunity to work with the nation’s leading agency charged with protecting the public's health. This is a grant funded position with funding anticipated through at least March, 31 2027.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Conduct biomarker discovery studies for a variety of NTDs using protein purification, bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques.
2. Work with other laboratory staff to develop biomarkers into tests. Evaluate tests for sensitivity, specificity, and other target product profile (TPP) characteristics using stored samples.
3. Evaluate tests developed by external partners for conformance to disease-specific TPPs.
4. Work with other laboratory staff to maintain inventory of stored samples, receive and ship samples from domestic and international partners as needed to have the appropriate evaluation samples.
5. Support training and evaluation of tests in partner laboratories, including potential travel to endemic areas.
6. Ensure that the full range of routine methods, procedures, techniques, and applicable quality controls are correctly conducted by referring to standard protocols.
7. Follow standardized protocols to ensure proper collection of data and conduct experiments and studies, making adjustments in methods and procedures and documenting as appropriate throughout the course of the project.
8. Contribute to development of standard operating procedures, validation plans, and validation reports for new tests for technical review and adjust as needed to receive appropriate approvals.
9. Apply knowledge of technical rules and procedures to document and prepare analyses and reports of findings for tests and studies.
10. Author or otherwise contribute to reference documents, technical papers and other resources such as manuscripts to be submitted for peer-reviewed publications.
11. Present findings internally as well as at national and international conferences as opportunities permit.
12. Travel up to 10% to participate in conferences and meetings.
13. Participate in additional program activities as assigned.
Qualifications and Skills Necessary:
· A PhD in microbiology, cellular biology or related biological science is required from an accredited college or university
· Minimum of one year of relevant professional, postdoctoral public health experience is preferred
· Experience in infectious diseases assay development and evaluation is required
· Strong knowledge of laboratory safety and quality procedures, including performing risk assessments and developing standardized protocols is preferred
· Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with teams
· Demonstrated effective diplomatic skills and the ability to work in close, supportive technical collaboration with individuals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds as well as a range of public health partners and stakeholders
· Proficient use of relevant computer programs including the MS Office standard suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
· Strong project management skills and ability to meet deadlines, prioritize, and stay organized
· Fluency in English (speaking, reading, writing)
Position Highlights:
Salary: $100,000 – $115,000, plus benefits
Position Type: Grant funded, limited-term opportunity contingent on funding
Position End Date: March 31, 2027
Location: This position will work on-site in Atlanta, GA.