Laboratory Technician

Culmen International is looking for a qualified Laboratory Technician in Tbilisi, Georgia to serve at the Walter Reed Army Institure of Research (WRAIR). 

The WRAIR aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to Department of Defense (DoD) and United States (U.S.) Army requirements and to deliver life-saving products including knowledge, technology, and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. The WRAIR headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Additionally, WRAIR maintains a network of laboratories on four continents to identify, study, and overcome diseases where they are found with Research and Development (R&D) activities that reach around the world to include Georgia, Thailand, and Kenya.

WRAIR’s vision is to be the premier DoD biomedical research organization that executes constantly relevant, integrated basic research and advanced technology that protects, projects, and sustains the warfighter today, invents global medical solutions for the future, and keeps the warfighter on point for the Nation. WRAIR, EME is an overseas research and infectious disease surveillance platform within the WRAIR command and laboratory network. WRAIR, EME works closely with a range of partners (e.g., ministries of defense and health, academic institutions, research organizations) to build research collaborations and infectious disease partnerships across the Area of Responsibility (AOR) to support DoD priorities in surveillance of infectious disease and vectors (e.g., arthropods such as mosquitoes, flies, biting midges, ticks, mites, fleas, etc. that can transmit pathogens/infectious disease agents).

The mission of WRAIR, EME is to inform Force Health Protection (FHP) across the spectrum of multi-domain operations though identification and characterization of medical threats while building and sustaining strong relationships with regional partners to enhance global health security and improve health outcomes.

Responsibilities: 

• Serves as a Research Technician responsible for conducting laboratory test in compliance with established approved procedures.

• Serves as research laboratory technician responsible for performance of laboratory procedures and testing in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support ongoing research projects. 
• Performs basic molecular tests and NGS-related procedures in the laboratory using proper techniques.
• Receives and processes patient specimens including but not limited to stools, blood, urine, respiratory and wound swabs, or contaminated food/water for extraction, culture, microbial identification and molecular analyses.
• Extracts nucleic acids.
• Separates, aliquots and archives samples for proper long term frozen storage.
• Separates, aliquots and archives microbial cultures for proper long term frozen storage.
• Documents and maintains sample processing records and enters long term frozen storage samples into the database for timely retrieval by others.
• Prepares solutions and reagents for assays in accordance with standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Follows all laboratory procedures including safety guidelines in choice of technique, choice and use of personal protective equipment, use and handling of equipment/reagents/supplies and awareness of and protection against blood borne pathogens within the lab.
• Maintains detailed training in safe laboratory practices, lab-specific procedures and SOPs.
• Performs a variety of noncomplex and complex assays in the research laboratory.  Performs automated and manual analyses.  Verifies quantitative results exercising quality control procedures.
• Maintains proficiency in the proper use and upkeep of all laboratory equipment to include performing routine (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual) maintenance and regular recording of temperature and other equipment readings as specified.  Performs troubleshooting on a spectrum of general and specialized laboratory equipment.
• Maintains an accurate written laboratory notebook in the correct format that allows all laboratory work recorded to be understood by others and repeated by others if needed; communicates laboratory results to supervisor and other specified staff members.
• Uses a provided personal computer for data entry, data analysis, word processing and email communications.
• Ensures proper storage and disposition of reagents and supplies within the laboratories.
• Conducts hands-on training of resident and visiting technicians and scientists to facilitate the development of knowledge and technical proficiency of the local scientific community.
• Maintains adequate communications with the supervisor and specified scientists regarding laboratory testing results.  Ensures quality and timeliness of test results by investigating problems involving specimen collection, results reporting and turn-around time.
• Responds to and reports critical laboratory situations and needs to relevant USAMRU-G and WRAIR staff and other facility POCs in a timely manner.  Provides timely and informed input to the supervisor and other key personnel in all matters concerning laboratory procedures.
• Assists with implementation of new study protocols, new instrumentation, new methodology and training as needed.
• Provides input as needed to implement and/or update general laboratory procedures, standard operating procedures and technical methods.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient/subject Personally Identifiable Information (PII), results and other data, any potential and stated intellectual property, and all USAMRD-G project operations.
• Searches, reads and comprehends the international scientific literature in English.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in molecular biology, life sciences or related sciences from a college or university accredited by the US or their national authority with experience in either research or clinical laboratories is preferred.
• Must have the ability and proficiency to use and manipulate data and information in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point or similar programs.
• Experience with basic molecular methods, such as DNA/RNA extraction and PCR is required. Practical knowledge of NGS techniques is preferred
• Demonstrated English Language Proficiency Level B1 English required, Level B2 preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency to write and review manuscripts published in international journals, take oral/written instructions, keep records, and discuss procedures, write reports and present data in English.
• Must master the knowledge and application of Army Regulations relating to safety, biosafety and biosecurity within three (3) months of beginning the job.
• Ability to take training and/or on-line courses to develop and test technical knowledge and skills.

Culmen International is committed to enhancing international safety and security, 
strengthening homeland defense, advancing humanitarian missions, and optimizing government operations. With experience in over 150 countries, Culmen supports our clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments.

• Paid Time Off (accrued up to 24 days)
• Health Insurance
• Pension fund match 
• 20 Paid Holidays
• Opportunities for Training and Continuing Education

To learn more about Culmen International, please visit www.culmen.com

At Culmen International, we are committed to creating and sustaining a workplace that upholds the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We believe in the importance of fair treatment and equal access to opportunities for all employees and applicants.  Our commitment to these principles is unwavering across all our operations worldwide.