Scientist

Overview Of Athena

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.

Position Summary

We are currently recruiting for a scientist role within the Department of General Services. The Scientist I will join the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Group (SBG) and support critical public health initiatives through advanced molecular testing and data analysis. The selected candidate will perform next-generation sequencing (NGS), data analysis, and interpretation across a variety of sample types to characterize agents of public health significance, including SARS-CoV-2, enteric bacterial pathogens, and healthcare-associated infections.

Position Details

• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Pay Rate: $25.00 per hour
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) and associated data analysis
• Analyze and interpret sequencing data for public health surveillance and response
• Conduct nucleic acid extraction and molecular testing procedures
• Assist in the development, validation, and implementation of new laboratory methods
• Perform Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) procedures
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation
• Manage laboratory inventory and coordinate ordering of supplies
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols and procedures
• Support team operations in a fast-paced, high-complexity laboratory environment
• Participate in weekend and after-hours work as needed
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements for high-complexity testing personnel (42 CFR 493.1489)
• Knowledge of laboratory chemical and biological safety practices
• Foundational knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and next-generation sequencing platforms
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and DNA sequence data analysis
• Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret complex data sets
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Experience working in CLIA, ISO 17025, or TNI accredited laboratories
• Familiarity with handling chemical, microbiological, and infectious materials
• Experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation
• Knowledge of QA/QC procedures and data interpretation
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  
  

Additional Information

• Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided
• Weekend and after-hours work may be required
  
  

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Excel, Word, Access
• Financial systems experience preferred
  
  

Successful ATHENA Employees Will Display The Following Characteristics

• You strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.
• You like to make your employer look good.
• You find solutions, where others only see problems.
• You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well.
• You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole.
• You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission.
  
  

The benefits of working for ATHENA include:

• Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Medical and dependent flexible spending account.
• Pet insurance.
• Mass transportation benefit for the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area.
• 401k with a generous employer match.
• Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal.
  
  

The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.

ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.