Job Title: CLIA R&D Technician

As a CLIA R&D Technician, you will be responsible for developing and validating Molecular and Microbiology Assays for use in a CLIA laboratory. You will work Monday through Friday, primarily in a laboratory setting, where you will design, execute, and evaluate experiments, then communicate findings with peers and supervisors.

• Follow all laboratory procedures and policies.
• Develop Molecular Assays, including assay optimization, analytical sensitivity and specificity, precision and accuracy, comparison study to other assays, reproducibility/repeatability studies, and sample stability.
• Develop Microbiology Assays, including propagation of bacteria and fungal organisms and antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacteria preparations.
• Prepare samples for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), including extraction of samples, quantitation of DNA, and library preparation.
• Maintain data in an organized and concise manner.
• Present data to peers and supervisors, both written and oral.
• Perform extraction on various matrices and assist in developing new extraction methods.
• Validate Molecular and Microbiology Assays for use in a CLIA laboratory.
• Write and edit Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Maintain records and logs.
• Assist in quality control and improvement activities.
• Assist in the transfer of new technologies to other teams, such as CLIA.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience with CLIA, Q-PCR, Real-Time PCR, LIMS, and liquid handling.
• Proficiency in assay development, optimization, and stability testing.
• Understanding of microbiology and bacteria handling.

• BS degree in Life Science such as Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology.
• 1-3 years of experience, which can include academic or industry experience, with emphasis on Real-Time PCR or QPCR.

You will work in a CLIA testing lab, spending most days conducting experiments and discussing results with supervisors. The lab environment is focused on promoting from within, offering great benefits once hired, and supporting contractors with holiday pay.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, Maryland.