Biology Technician III (immunichromatographic testing)

Akima is hiring a Biology Technician III to support laboratory duties and testing related to algal toxin research, including conducting live animal studies with waterfowl and other species of birds.  The Biology Technician will collaborate with government scientists to investigate the impact of algal toxins on wild birds.  The position will involve working with live animals, assisting with necropsies of dead animals, processing samples for laboratory testing, implementing and validating testing methodologies, performing testing to detect toxins, and conducting lab maintenance.

Who you are supporting:

The National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) is a science center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) with specialized laboratories dedicated to wildlife disease detection, control, and prevention. Their mission is to advance wildlife health science for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. The NWHC particularly focuses on wildlife disease as it relates to public safety (e.g., diseases that can spread to humans) and economic prosperity (e.g., diseases that can impact the agricultural industry and affect hunting/outdoor recreation).

Rapid detection of disease agents in wildlife involves a variety of techniques, including communication with partner networks to facilitate laboratory investigations, capturing and entering data, performing examinations and necropsies on dead wildlife, and conducting laboratory testing on samples (e.g., rapid immunochromatographic tests, ELISA) to determine the cause of mortality events and determine whether a disease poses any risk to human safety or economic prosperity.

• The Biology Technician will perform the tasks described below and within written established guidelines. The work required is to generate scientific data and conduct appropriate analysis in support of algal toxin investigations.
• Work conducted shall be documented, and records shall be submitted documenting progress towards task accomplishment.
• Akima staff will collaborate with USGS staff and scientists to collect data, perform analyses, and write and publish USGS report products, in accordance with fundamental science, practices and quality assurance standards.
• Perform laboratory studies, including live animal studies, of algal toxins such as microcystin and saxitoxin.
• Rely on moderate level of experience and judgement, along with instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the laboratory work.
• Provide technical support to pathologists and PIs in Necropsy activities.
• Assist with necropsies at the discretion of pathologist, submit samples to appropriate diagnostic laboratories, and dictate findings.
• Create, edit, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain a detailed laboratory notebook, and adhere to guidelines of a Quality Management System (QMS).
• Provide technical support for histology operations.
• Perform rapid immunochromatographic test to identify the presence of algal toxins in animal tissues.
• Operate laboratory equipment (balances, centrifuges, microscopes, incubators, shakers, pipettes, thermal cyclers, spectrophotometers).
• Assist to assemble, evaluate, and analyze data for presentation in a scientifically appropriate manner.
• Assist to assemble, evaluate, and analyze data for inclusion in reports and publications describing results.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment and ensure all laboratory safety standards are met.

• Must be a US Citizen able to pass a thorough background check including criminal and financial at both the state and federal level. (note candidate cannot start until they have passed the government background check which can take at least 6 weeks from offer acceptance to obtain).
• Bachelor's degree in a Science related discipline and 1 year of field/work related lab experience.
• Experience with necropsies environment a plus.
• Experience with rapid immunichromatographic testing. 
• Strong attention to detail. 
• The ability to use computer software and databases to develop complicated statistical and research reports.

Any clearance requirements for this position are established by the government contract.

Work Where it Matters

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE), an Akima company, is not just another federal systems support contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At ASE, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, ASE provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, ASE delivers solutions in maritime IT, systems engineering, and integration across the Department of Defense and stands ready to help improve operational performance at a reasonable and sustainable cost.

As an ASE employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.