Laboratory Technician- Entomology - Military veterans preferred

The Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit Is focused on providing identification services and developing identification and vector risk assessment tools that support vector borne disease mitigation efforts worldwide. Products and services are targeted to support ongoing or potential DoD missions while also fostering the interagency relationship between the WRAIR and the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). Focus areas include vector taxonomic and phylogenetic research as a building block to development of more accurate identification tools, field vector surveillance data management and support to streamline the assimilation of field collections into the decision making process, and geospatial mapping of collection records, both historically and in real time, to support the development of risk maps and predictive models. GDIT is seeking a laboratory technician to support vector and pathogen identification. Specific duties include:

• Assist in the development of molecular vector and pathogen identification assays.
• Assist in the development of unique DNA barcodes for disease vectors, accession of DNA barcodes to the BOLD (Barcode of Life) database.
• Assist in the production of MAGPIX identification assays based on DNA barcodes
• Assist in the development of apps based on previously developed Lucid vector identification keys
• Assist in planning and resource identification services related to the identification of militarily relevant arthropod vectors.
• Assist in developing, validating and implementing molecular assays for the detection and identification of cryptic species utilizing DNA sequencing techniques to build identification assays using multiple platforms.
• Assist in developing, validating and utilizing traditional taxonomic keys to identify vector species.
• Assist in developing of standard operating procedures to formalize testing procedures using these assays so that multiple testing entities may produce comparable data suitable for use in surveillance programs.
• Assist in providing vector identification support services for DoD costumers and research collaborators upon request.

0-2 years of related experience in scientific research, analysis and/or engineering.

Experience in the following areas is highly preferred:

• Ability to develop, validate, and implement molecular assays using DNA sequence techniques across multiple platforms, along with standard operating procedures suitable for distribution among multiple testing entities.
• Ability to develop, validate, and use traditional taxonomic keys to identify vector species.
• Ability to provide vector identification support services for DoD costumers and research collaborators upon request.

For more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology has served as a trusted provider of information technology, systems engineering, training and professional services to customers across federal, state, and local governments, and in the commercial sector. Over 40,000 GDIT professionals deliver enterprise solutions, manage mission-critical IT programs and provide mission support services worldwide. GDIT is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.

BS in a biological science with knowledge of developing and conducting experiments involving high complexity assays.