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Job Description:

Parsons is seeking a Research Technician III to join our team. In this role you will support the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Entomology Branch Walter Reed in the Diagnostics and Laboratory Services (DLS). The purpose of the DLS in the Entomology Branch is to conduct research for the development of integrated disease management strategies against arthropod-borne pathogens. This includes research to improve military units’ ability to perform risk assessment, surveillance, control and monitoring in order to prevent transmission of arthropod-borne diseases. As a member of DLS you will assist in the development of force protection strategies for the detection and assessment of vector-borne medical threats and associated hazards which provide the situational understanding and positive identification necessary to prevent or mitigate threats to service members across the globe.

Duties:

• Develop, validate and implement molecular and non-molecular assays for the detection and quantification of vector borne pathogens using multiple .

• Evaluate, validate and develop military specific standard operating procedures for existing assays both molecular and non-molecular and ensure they meet the DoD requirements for both laboratory and field use.

• Plan and resource research experiments related to the rapid identification of vectors to species level and to the disruption and processing of arthropod vectors of militarily relevant infectious diseases.

• Plan and resource research experiments related to the discovery of a molecular basis of insecticide resistance.

• Support general laboratory management, such as supply inventory, waste disposal and laboratory cleanliness, including storage units such as refrigerators, freezers, and incubators.

• Assist in maintaining frozen sample inventories.

Required Skills and Experience

• BS with 8 years’ experience in molecular biology, biology, or biochemistry or related field or MS with 6 years of experience in molecular biology, biology, or biochemistry or related field

• Strong publication and research grant award history

• Mastery of high throughput DNA/RNA extraction techniques, PCR, Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing: expertise in primer and/or probe development for multiplex / targeted molecular assays, is essential.

• Proven experience of designing novel multiplex pathogen detection assays using PCR MAGPIX, MinION is essential

• Working knowledge of RT-PCR, qPCR, LAMP, immunological assays (such as ELISA, Western Blot, etc) is desirable.

• Strong scientific communication skills are required, as applicant shall be expected to prepare SOPs, scientific manuscripts and deliver oral presentations.

• Ability to work in laboratory and field environments.

• May require working evenings and weekends.

• May require travel and ability to work independently following a brief period of specific technical training.

Minimum Clearance Required to Start:

Not Applicable/None

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

Our Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our diverse, intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

The position may require a COVID vaccination or an approved accommodation/exemption for a disability/medical condition or religious belief as required by customer requirements and some cases federal, state, provincial or local mandates.

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. Diversity is ingrained in who we are, how we do business, and is one of our company’s core values. Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels for minority, female, disabled, protected veteran and LGBTQ+.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!