[ref. h38609820] Laboratory Technnician/Laboratory Scientist
The incumbent will actively engage with CDCs International Micronutrient Malnutrition Prevention and Control (IMMPaCt) program in the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity at the National Centers for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) and provide technical assistance to Ministries of Health and country offices of other global partners.
The IMMPaCt program goal is to eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies (iron, iodine, vitamin A, folic acid, and zinc deficiency) as public health problem. The incumbent will support the laboratory components of projects in countries identified by CDC.
Salary will be determined based on education and experience. A full benefits package will be provided. The successful candidate will have to obtain and maintain a CDC security clearance.
International travel is required for this position, sometimes for extended periods of up to 4 weeks at a time
The selected candidate will have a combination of working on-site at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Chamblee Campus in the NBB and telework capabilities that are agreed upon with McKing Consulting Corporation and NBB, and that must be within the limits of the contract and satisfy the needs of the program. Primary job responsibilities will include:
Approximately 70% laboratory work in CDCs NBB laboratory in support of CDCs International Micronutrient Malnutrition Prevention and Control (IMMPaCt) Program, completing various trainings on analytical methods, quality control aspects, and laboratory logistics, performing laboratory analyses as the laboratory expert for team projects aimed at improving and/or ensuring the quality of testing methods, evaluating and analyzing laboratory and epidemiologic data, preparing and reviewing study protocols, organizing logistical support (e.g., ordering supplies, coordinating shipments) for international and domestic field studies, preparing reports, and collaborating in the preparation of presentations and/or writing of manuscripts for publication in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
The remaining effort will involve international and domestic travel (typically 15-20% but no more than 30% per calendar year) in providing direct laboratory support of public health surveys or studies of nutritional status or nutritional interventions in a variety of settings primarily in developing countries.Travel will be for the purpose of participating, as part of a team, in training of other laboratory scientists, public health workers, nurses, and physicians in nutritional biomarker laboratory techniques, specimen collection, transport, and shipment, data collection, and other tasks related to the transfer of nutrition related technology.
Other duties may include hands-on collection of physiologic specimens, such as urine, finger stick and/or venous blood, stool, or saliva from survey participants, as well as record keeping and logistical operations.
Additionally, the selected candidate will be expected to train other laboratory staff in specific areas of expertise, as well as to carry out certain administrative functions, as necessary, to ensure smooth functioning of the laboratory, and proper coordination with other CDC components and CDC partner organizations.
Candidate resumes must demonstrate the following minimum requirements to be forwarded for consideration:
B.S. or M.S. in a biology related life sciences area with at least 3 (MS) to 5 (BS) years of experience in micronutrient malnutrition, international health, and/or carrying out field studies. Masters degree preferred.
Strong evidence of hands-on experience in various biochemical laboratory procedures, e.g., Bio-Safety Laboratory Procedures (BSL-2 and BSL-3), immunoassays, and clinical analyses of physiological samples.
Evidence of working knowledge of statistical quality control and interpretation with regards to laboratory analytical data.
Excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced through presentations at scientific meetings and co-authored publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Evidence of the ability to organize and manage complex projects fairly independently.
Ability to work with outside groups of collaborators, independently and as part of teams.
Possessing strong tact and diplomacy and a good understanding and appreciation of intercultural dynamics and differences.
Demonstrated field experience working on larger project(s) under less-than-ideal conditions, ideally in developing countries. Prior international work experience is an asset.
Demonstrated field knowledge of point-of-care analyzers, finger stick and/or venous blood collection and other logistical field knowledge related to specimen collection, processing, storage, and shipment.
Ability and willingness to travel internationally sometimes for extended periods of up to 4 weeks at a time.
Fluency in English is a requirement.
Additional selection criteria will include:
Laboratory experience with less technologically driven assays and quantitative analysis, e.g., microbiologic assays and commercial and/or in-house ELISAs.
Presentation as a motivated self-starter.
Proficiency with common word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics software (especially MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Fluency/skill in a secondary language, especially French, but also Spanish, or Portuguese is an asset.