Senior Service Fellow (Biologist/Microbiologist)
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP)
Division of STD Prevention
Laboratory Reference and Research Branch
Atlanta, Georgia
Announcement Closes on March 11, 2021
Exciting Career Opportunity
The Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) seeks a qualified candidate for Syphilis & Emerging Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Team as a Title 42 Senior Service Fellow, GS-13, Unit lead in the Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (LRRB). LRRB conducts laboratory research on high-impact STDs. We serve as National reference center for STD rapid detection, identification of antibiotic resistance, and serologic and molecular test development and performance evaluation. Our vision is a future in which the morbidity of STDs is reduced in the US, through researching and developing better laboratory diagnostics and state-of-the-art advanced molecular detection, and through studying host-pathogen interactions with cutting edge analysis approaches for biologic discovery. This position is critical to LRRB and DSTDP.
The Senior Service Fellow, under the supervision of the team lead, will serves as a Unit Lead and senior laboratory scientist with interest in the development of new tests in detecting Treponema pallidum in suspected syphilis; evaluation of currently available and new diagnostic assays; expansion of the reference bank of sera for syphilis testing and Treponema pallidum isolates; research into in vitro culture and/or animal model experiments with Treponema pallidum with purpose to understand the host immune responses and pathogenesis of the causative agent of syphilis; identification of new biomarkers that can be used for test development. The selected candidate will be responsible for a broad laboratory biomedical research portfolio, dissemination of scientific findings, and the provision of technical laboratory assistance for outbreak situations and disease control measures.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Apply expertise to propose, design, implement and conduct applied and basic research on syphilis and emerging STIs.
- Provide expert scientific advice, consultation and leadership in project troubleshoot and maintaining scientific project goals, objectives and priorities.
- Apply new technologies to the development of highly sensitive syphilis tests.
- Manage and lead a unit in implementation and conduct of research on syphilis and emerging STIs by focusing on serologic tests development & evaluation, immunology and animal model.
- Lead the unit in identifying, distributing and balancing workload and tasks among employees in accordance with established workflow, skill level and/or occupational specialization.
- Serve as a mentor to provide assistance, training and mentoring to junior and fellow researchers within LRRB and other branches within DSTDP.
- Collaborate within the branch, division and CDC, as well as with public health departments, academic partners and commercial companies.
- Prepare documents for Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, Material Transfer Agreement (MTA), Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol and other technical and regulatory documents when necessary.
- Analyze data and publish manuscripts to contribute to the scientific literature.
- Communicate issues, findings to the team leader; make effective presentations for collaboration meetings and scientific conferences.
- Attend and participate in briefings, meetings on laboratory strengthening activities and public health decisions.
Required Qualifications
- Both US citizens and legal permanent residents with a work authorization are eligible.
- Successful completion of a background investigation.
Desired Qualifications
- PhD or equivalent degree and at least two years of postdoctoral work in infectious diseases, microbiology/ biology, pathology, veterinary medicine, biomedical science, or related discipline.
- Expertise in infectious disease studies of pathogenic organisms, immunology, and genomics with applications to the field of STDs preferred.
- Excellent management, organizational and analytical skills, including the ability to manage and respond to multiple requests and priorities in a timely manner with limited supervision.
- Strong orientation to details, good visionary thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Strong speaking, writing and time management and interpersonal skills.
- Track record of scientific productivity as exemplified by peer-reviewed publications and other evidence of effective written communication skills.
- Expertise and experience in communicating scientific concepts through collaboration meetings and conference presentations.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and actively collaborate internally and externally.
Supervisory position: No
Work Schedule: Full-time
Bargaining unit status of position: None
Moving expenses are not authorized.
Relocation incentives will not be considered.
Highest known grade of position: GS-13
Special Requirements: None
EEO Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
How to Apply
Email your cover letter, resume, official college transcripts and the names and contacts of two references from outside CDC to: Dr. Weiping Cao at jgz9@cdc.gov by March 11, 2021, 11:59 PM EST.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed and interviews may be conducted.