Microbiologist

Azura is seeking an experienced Microbiologist to support the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries and the National Seafood Inspection Laboratory (NSIL). Laboratory objectives include conducting chemical, microbiological, and food safety analysis to support the NOAA’s Product Quality and Safety Programs and other federal, state, and private clients. Analyses performed by this position relate to tasks such as evaluating compliance with seafood processors’ HACCP requirements, auditing the effectiveness of NOAA’s Seafood Inspection Program, identifying illegal or unsafe practices related to seafood, prosecuting perpetrators of illegal or unsafe practices related to seafood, and meeting requirements for exporting seafood.

The primary objective of this position is to conduct microbiological, biotechnology, and food safety analysis to support the NOAA’s Product Quality and Safety Programs and other federal, state, and private clients. Analyses performed by this position relate to tasks such as evaluating compliance with seafood processors’ HACCP requirements, auditing the effectiveness of NOAA’s Seafood Inspection Program, identifying illegal or unsafe practices related to seafood, meeting requirements for exporting seafood, and assisting NSIL with method development projects. Future projects, and those under development, include DNA Sequencer projects, Vibrio spp. quantification and ID project using gel electrophoresis, RT-PCR, and MPN methods.

Having high attention to detail and the ability to manage short project timelines are critical skills for this position. Potential candidates must also possess the curiosity and ability to find solutions and resolve issues based on available resources and also have strong client and team communication skills. Applicants must be able to operate independently, manage their own work schedule, and dedicate blocks of time for uninterrupted focus.

Place of Performance and Work Schedule

Work is to be conducted at the NOAA/National Seafood Inspection Laboratory, 3209 Frederic Street, Pascagoula, Mississippi, and is temporary and full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) during normal operating hours of the facility. The estimated start date is October 24, 2024 (pending security clearance processing). The position will not exceed 6 months in duration. Some travel to in-person meetings may be required. This position is not open to visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay: $25.00/hour
• Competitive benefits includes medical, dental, and vision insurance and life and disability insurance. You will receive paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Duties

The employee will perform a variety of tasks related to the position. Specific tasks may include the following:

• Analyzing seafood samples for microbial contaminants and biological hazards using standard scientific methods and techniques;
• Performing routine microbiology techniques, such as MPN, petrifilm, culture and identification methods;
• Performing advanced microbiology activities, such as gel electrophoresis, RT-PCR and DNA sequencing on Vibrio isolates and other environmental samples;
• Performing data QA/QC review;
• Performing sample preparation, sterilizing glassware, preparing media/reagents and maintaining a clean orderly and sanitary lab environment;
• Performing tissue extraction and homogenization for microbiological analysis;
• Supporting NSIL laboratory analysis by maintaining and tracking an extensive collection of biological tissue samples and seafood samples for seafood analysis;
• Performing sample custodian duties as needed;
• Using NSIL databases and generating reports for the Lab Director, Lead Analysts, and other analysts as needed;
• Completing lab analyses and preparing reports;
• Documenting all laboratory activities to support NSIL’s Quality Management System and performing document control user functions in MediaLab software;
• Reviewing documents to meet SIP’s export certification program requirements and providing guidance as needed;
• Conducting inventories of laboratory of supplies, instruments, and equipment in order to maintain the readiness of the microbiological analysis functions of the laboratory;
• Performing market research as needed;
• Attending staff meetings;
• Following NSIL policies, acting professionally, and contributing positively to the office by maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace; and
• Attending meetings to present data and increase project visibility (e.g., eDNA symposiums, or other Microbiology or Food Safety events).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Science Degree in microbiology or related discipline from an accredited college or university
• Experience providing standardized technical laboratory support
• Working knowledge of the techniques, methods, scientific terminology, and procedures of a technical area and the ability to select, adjust, and apply alternative techniques, methods, procedures, equipment and instruments.
• Experience in adjusting and using technical equipment and instruments
• Experience with evaluating and analyzing data
• Possess the ability to adapt and carry out established tests or calculations
• Experience in recording and disseminating results
• Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal skills
• Proficiency in working with Adobe Acrobat and Google Suite; operational knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access is necessary
• Currently eligible to work in the United States
• Candidate must be able to obtain a Public Trust Clearance which requires passing a thorough background check
• Candidate must be able to start immediately once obtaining the Public Trust Clearance