Laboratory Technician

JRAD is seeking candidates for a Science Laboratory Technician position providing full time onsite support at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center located on Plum Island, NY.

Roles/Responsibilities:

Position Description Summary:

JRAD is seeking a Laboratory Technician providing full time onsite support at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center located on Plum Island, NY.

The Laboratory Technician will assist with managing the laboratory close-out process so as to enable terminal decontamination. This is anticipated to include activities such as coordinating lab space clean-out and closures in advance of decontamination activities, assisting with the coordination of autoclave-related activities and other functions which will help render the laboratory spaces in a ready state for appropriate fumigation and decontamination. The position shall also assist with supporting the development of validated decontamination regimes and approaches (e.g., biological indicator placement oversight). Additional support may be needed to assist with presenting data and developing reports for inclusion in manuscripts and scientific publications and internal and external presentations that are generated as a result of the terminal decontamination work. Other related functions may be required, as needed. Experience and familiarity working in a BSL3 laboratory environment is preferred (preferably one in which foreign animal diseases were studied) and ancillary operational activities such as lab waste management and related processes and procedures, BSL3 entry/exit procedures, application of project management tenets such as ensuring adherence to scope and schedule and stakeholder engagement, developing and/or implementing activity checklists. In addition to federal staff/SMEs, the work will require engagement and collaboration with other contracted staff assigned to perform related,  complementary activities.

Laboratory Work:

• Support the operation of an on-island mobile laboratory for provision of independent third- party verification/validation testing of biological and chemical indicators (SCBIs, spore strips, integrators).
• Supports receiving and processing of biological and chemical indicators as part of facility-scale decontamination activities.
• Assists scientist conducting viability assessments, authentication, and characterization procedures for biological materials.
• Assist with the preparation and/or propagation of various biological materials under aseptic conditions.
• Supports validation work and other tasks within containment areas as required.
• Support validation work and other tasks within containment areas as required.

Data Management:

• Accurately record experimental data in digitized data management systems.
• Translate data from notebooks and batch records into advanced databases, uponrequest
• Support data integration and management.
• Assist in technology transfer between different data systems 

Equipment and Safety:

• Monitor laboratory equipment and report any issues to ensure proper functioning.
• Demonstrate laboratory skills following safety procedures, including the proper handling of chemicals and biological materials.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with scientists and contractor teams across multiple federal agencies.
• Communicate and coordinate with project stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Draft laboratory documentation including procedures and work instructions.
• Support the drafting of weekly, monthly, and quarterly laboratory and/or progress reports.

Required Skills and Education:

• High School Diploma with 7+ years' experience OR Associates’ Degree with 4+ years' experience OR Bachelor's Degree and 1+ years' experience.
• Strong understanding of aseptic techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. 

Additional Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with full-time residency in the United States.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Must undergo a required medical examination and vaccinations (as applicable).
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening (note that marijuana is still illegal federally, regardless of state status or medical use).
• The job requires travel to and from Orient Point, NY or Old Saybrook, CT and Plum Island aboard government-provided marine vessels.
• Must comply with all regulations related to federal facilities and work sites.
• The job requires the ability to stand for extended periods in a containment laboratory.
• This environment may require exit showering.
• The job requires the ability to sit for extended periods at a computer workstation and  the capability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Due to biosecurity requirements, employees may not own or work with cloven-hoofed animals, horses, rabbits, pigs, exotic pets, or birds.

Security Clearance:

• Ability to obtain DHS Suitability and Federal Select Agent Clearance.

When you work for JRAD you will never be just a number. We put people before profits!  

JRAD is committed to the health and well-being of its employees. We offer more paid time off than the average company upon hire and the following benefits are available to all full-time employees:  

• Health Insurance  
• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance  
• Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance  
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for unreimbursed medical & dependent day care  
• Disability Insurance  
• 401K Plan  
• Tuition Reimbursement  

JRAD is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The JRAD salary range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. There are many factors considered when determining the compensation provided in an offer. These factors include, but are not limited to position responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and contract terms and conditions.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you apply, to ensure you continue to receive important updates on your application and status, please add JRAD to your approved email list and/or check your spam and junk mail often for updates.