What are the responsibilities and job description for the Biologist position at Cape Fox Facilities Services?
Cape Fox Facilities Services is seeking a Biologist to join our team in Bethesda, MD in support of the NIH.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for biosafety measures at the Twinbrook 3 Insectary Facility (TW3-IF) to protect researchers and staff from exposure to insect bites and vector-borne infectious agents.
- Responsible for the implementation of protocols and physical barriers to ensure the containment of mosquitoes at TW3-IF.
- Oversee researchers conducting experiments with infectious agents and maintain containment of
- mosquitoes harboring human pathogens (viruses and parasites) in the high-security area of TW3-IF.
- Maintain and manipulate mosquitoes infected with human pathogens in the biosafety section of the insectary.
- Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance and manipulation of genetically modified mosquitoes.
- Develop SOPs for the morphological and molecular taxonomic identification of the various mosquito species reared in the insectary.
- Conduct regular taxonomic identification of mosquitoes to prevent cross-contamination between different species reared at TW3-IF.
- Assist with the experimental infection of mosquitoes with murine malaria parasites.
- Oversee the biosafety component of mosquito colony maintenance
- Develop and implement SOPs for the production of various species and strains of Anopheline mosquitoes in a secure insectary.
- Perform laboratory quality control, including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment upon government approval. Handle biological materials, infectious agents, biological waste and other tasks as required.
- Write reports detailing findings, methods, and procedures—including any modifications employed—specimens and materials involved, and experimental results. Interpret, evaluate, and discuss results with the project officer as appropriate for subsequent studies.
- Prepare various media, stock supplies, and other reagents for laboratory use.
- Ensure sufficient quantities of selected species and strains of Anopheles mosquitoes are available each week for experimental purposes.
- Perform a variety of complex procedures involving molecular biology techniques related to malaria parasites and the mosquitoes that transmit them. As these parasites are human pathogens, some procedures will require work in a BSL-2 environment.
- Assist in preparing manuscripts for publication and perform literature searches for laboratory methodologies as needed.
- Maintain accurate daily records of experiments and results in bound laboratory notebooks and electronic databases. Make minor modifications or adaptations to established methods, procedures, and techniques to solve workplace problems.
- Assist post-baccalaureate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientific visitors in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment and specialized procedures and techniques.
- Collaborate with investigators on experiments to develop genetically modified lines of Anopheline mosquitoes.
- Develop and implement record-keeping systems to document the production of various mosquito lots.
- Discuss data and consult with external investigators as requested by the Federal Task Leader.
- Perform computer data analysis and use specialized software programs to prepare data for publication.
- Calibrate and operate various laboratory instruments.