Scientist 2- Microbiology

SUMMARY:

We don’t just like what we do at Aerobiology, we love it! We are looking for an Environmental Microbiologist at our Dulles, VA facility who loves analyzing fungi and bacteria as much as we do. Someone who loves the challenge of finding it, identifying it, and going the extra mile to help our customers understand why in the world it is in their space. Spend one day with our amazing staff and you will see that not only do they love what they do, but they enjoy teaching and training others that have the drive to learn more. Come and reap the rewards with a company that is the gold standard in environmental analysis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

· Receiving and processing high volumes of samples quickly and accurately

· Preparation and analysis of environmental samples for bacteria and fungi

· Reading and identifying fungi in spore trap and tape samples

· Recording data and generating reports in our proprietary LIMS

· Cleaning, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment

· Performing QA/QC practices as specified in our QA/QC manual

· Maintaining the QA/QC Program and following Standard Operating Procedures

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, Biology or a closely related field. Minimum of 2 years experience working in environmental lab or working with bacteria/fungi.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

· None.

Required Knowledge and Skills

· Understanding of basic principles, practices and techniques of microbiology.

· Preferable experience with setting up samples using standard SOPs, including serial dilutions, concentrating of samples, and plating.

· Understanding of clinically significant bacteria and fungi and with pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, coliforms, E. coli, and Legionella.

· Understanding of various testing tools, equipment, and calibration.

· Assist with ordering, receipt and stocking of laboratory supplies.

· Perform sample disposal and autoclaving.

· Perform Quality Control testing of microbiology media and reagents.

· Perform laboratory projects from set-up through data interpretation and reporting

· Possess strong technical, quality, and safety understanding to provide support to staff members and clients

· Proficiency in high volume data entry with excel and/or computer database

· Principles and practices to serving as an effective project team member.

· Serving as a team member in the development and management of projects.

· Operating in both a team and individual contributor environment.

· Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

· Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals contacted in the course of the work.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a lab and office setting, use standard office and lab equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a lab and office setting. Work is subject to chemicals, fumes, gasses, noxious odors and related items in a lab setting.