Description

The McConnell Group, Inc. (TMG) is seeking an experienced Entomology Technician (Entomology Biomedical Systems Analyst) to support the U.S. Air Force's biomedical research mission. This full-time position can be located on-site at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The work schedule is normally M-F 0730-1630; however, there may be times when it is necessary for the contractor to work after duty hours in support of specific tasks. Although the schedule may have to be flexible, it will not exceed 40 hours per week. Contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases, AFRL facilities, and/or access to U.S. Government Information Technology (IT) networks in connection with the work on this contract MUST BE U.S. CITIZENS. For the purpose of base and network access, possession of a permanent resident card ("Green Card") does not equate to U.S. citizenship. This position is contingent upon contract award to TMG.

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory, the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). The Wing delivers the unparalleled capability to the Air Force through a combination of world-class infrastructure and expertise of its diverse workforce of military, civilian, and contractor personnel encompassing 75 occupational specialties including science and engineering, occupational health and safety, medical professions, technicians, educators, and business operations and support.

ENTOMOLOGY TECHNICIAN

Tasks:

1. Complete in-processing of samples as directed, accurately, and safely following operating procedures. Log-in receipt of shipments from submitting organizations, assign laboratory reference numbers, determine the type of samples, select appropriate reporting form, record collection data on forms, and organize samples for identification by the entomologist. Prepare samples or other materials for shipment as needed.
2. Prepare samples for identification, testing, and analysis. Perform testing and analyses of samples using a variety of methodologies as directed by Medical Entomologist. Prepare, maintain, inventory, and dispose of laboratory reagents, stock solutions, and other media and consumables as needed. Perform procedures in the chemical fume hood or biosafety cabinet as needed. Use laboratory equipment, instruments, or supplies to process, handle, test, and analyze samples. These include, but are not limited to, the use of a centrifuge, vortex, mixer mill, pipettes, scalpels, dry ice, pins, and desiccants. Assist Medical Entomologist with sample identification as needed.
3. Enter sample data into appropriate databases. Update, organize and maintain entomology databases whether electronic or hard copy. The contractor shall use databases to prepare summary reports as directed.
4. Prepare results reports for submitting organizations in an accurate, professional, and timely manner. Send electronic or hard-copy reports to submitting installations via e-mail or regular mail. The contractor shall respond to inquiries about samples from submitting installations.
5. Maintain laboratory inventories, submit order requests to Medical Entomologist as appropriate and directed. Ensure working areas are organized, clean, well-stocked, and in compliance with applicable biosafety level guidance. Arrange facilities maintenance visits, Bioenvironmental Engineering visits, and IT service requests as needed. Submit requests in a timely manner and follow up to ensure work completion. Dispose of laboratory waste in accordance with USAFSAM guidance. Perform, or arrange for, maintenance, calibration, repair, replacement, and disposal of laboratory instruments and equipment. Maintain and inventory collections of medically significant pests. Store, label, organize, maintain or dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous biological, chemical or other wastes in accordance with USAFSAM guidance, Institutional Biosafety Committee requirements, the laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan or according to instructions from the Medical Entomologist. Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for inventory items in working laboratory areas.
6. Assist Medical Entomologist with special studies. Tasks may include ordering books or other new or special materials, inventory control, arrangement for storage, dehydration of samples, dissection and mounting of samples, creation of custom labels for voucher slides, and data entry of results. Additional special studies may include blood meal analyses, evaluating samples for bunyavirus presence, and DNA barcoding of specimens.
7. Compile and maintain a current list of submitting organization Public Health points of contact. Maintain installation surveillance notes and update as needed. Review, update, organize and maintain laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), protocols, instructions, guidance, chemical inventories, hazardous waste documents, field equipment lists, and inventories.
8. Work with Medical Entomologist and/or USAFSAM/PHR leadership to refine processes and procedures in order to reach test or experiment objectives.
9. Adhere to local, state, and Federal safety rules, operating instructions, and maintenance procedures to ensure occupational, regulatory, and legal compliance; this includes adherence to AFI 48-102, Medical Entomology Program, current version.
10. Support USAFSAM/PHR on investigations and data requests in relation to medical entomology and zoology.
11. Support the education of USAFSAM students and others as appropriate.
12. Support to field unit requests for consultation and analysis of specific issues when tasked by USAFSAM/PHR.
13. Meet the requirements of the Institutional Review Boards (IRB) and fulfill the requirements of the Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Compensation / Benefits: TMG offers comp. pay and benefits pkg. including health insurance; paid holidays, PTO; EAP; Education Assistance, 401(k), and College Savings Plan.

The McConnell Group is an equal opportunity employer EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet

Requirements

Mandatory Qualifications:

1. Possess an associate's degree or higher from an accredited institution in biological sciences, laboratory science, medical laboratory technology, veterinary technology, or a closely related field.
2. Possess a minimum of 3 years of experience working in entomology, microbiology, biomedical research, or similar laboratory.
3. Possess administrative skills and scientific knowledge of laboratory methodologies in areas other than epidemiological functions.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Prior entomology laboratory experience of accessioning, arthropod identification, methods, procedures, instruments, equipment, data management, pathogen testing, Good Laboratory Practices, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) is preferred.