"Alerted.org

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE) is hiring a Biology Tech to provide technical assistance with laboratory and vivarium operations in the pursuit of scientific data, and in accordance with fundamental science practices (https://www.usgs.gov/office-of-science-quality-and-integrity/fundamental-science-practices) and quality assurance standards (https://www.usgs.gov/survey-manual/im-osqi-2022-01) . The work involves pathogens and animals. As such, compliance with regulatory aspects of the work is imperative.

For animal care, work performance on some weekends and federal holidays is required.

About the customer: The National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) is a science center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) with specialized laboratories that works to safeguard our Nation’s health by studying the causes and drivers of wildlife diseases and by developing strategies to prevent and manage them. The NWHC is dedicated to wildlife disease detection, control, and prevention in the United States. Their mission is to advance wildlife health science for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. Specific activities of the NWHC include wildlife disease research, conducting surveys of epidemic wildlife diseases and surveillance for outbreaks of novel pathogens in wildlife.

Responsibilities

The Biology Tech will provide technical support for laboratory and animal studies of wildlife diseases, including chronic wasting disease as follows:

+ Rely on a moderate level of experience and judgement to plan and accomplish goals.

+ Perform laboratory procedures, which may not be standardized according to specified protocols.

+ Collect, curate, and prepare animal and environmental samples for CWD prion extraction.

+ Assess and document wildlife behavior by performing ethogram surveillance.

+ Operate laboratory equipment (balances, centrifuges, incubators, shakers, pipettes, thermal cyclers, spectrophotometers), autoclaves and vaporous hydrogen peroxide generators, other disinfections systems.

+ Collect biological and environmental samples (e.g., feces, blood, tissues) from research animals.

+ Perform animal care and assist with the design of animal husbandry protocols.

+ Maintain accurate records of sample collection, and procedural support.

+ Adhere to all NWHC-established protocols for containment, PPE use, decontamination, and security. Participate in required training related to biosafety, zoonotic disease prevention, and emergency procedures.

+ The contractor shall travel as required to support program tasks. Including travel to pick up or drop off samples.

+ Work performance on some weekends and federal holidays is required.

Qualifications

+ Pass a standard background check.

+ Degree in biology, animal care or related field.

+ 1-2 years lab experience.

+ Able to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Job ID

2025-20763

Work Type

On-Site

Company Description

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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability, or have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at [email protected] or 571-353-7053 (information about job applications status is not available at this contact information).