Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - Technical Manager

Job DescriptionJob Description

Title: Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - Technical Manager

Location: On site, Frederick, MD

Status: Full Time

Travel: Negligible

Salary Range: $115,000-$140,000

Position Summary:

USAMRIID, located at Fort Detrick, Maryland, works closely with other U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) organizations, Department of Defense (DoD), the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health. This includes conducting Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation (RDTE) of medical countermeasure against biological threats and the safety, quality assurance, project management, and core support required for these research activities.

The Diagnostic Systems Division (DSD) provides reference diagnostic and disease assessment consultation within the medical community in support of DoD operational requirements. DSD supports analytical studies for advanced development and FDA clearance of diagnostic assays as well as pre-clinical studies of vaccine and therapeutic candidates. The division is functionally organized into four departments: Developmental Diagnostics, Applied Diagnostics, Operational Diagnostics, and Regulated Products.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - Technical Manager will oversee and manage clinical laboratory operations at the Special Pathogens Laboratory (SPL), ensuring high-quality, high-complexity testing in support of ongoing research programs and regulatory studies. The Technical Manager will perform advanced diagnostic testing, supervise laboratory functions, and provide technical expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and clinical diagnostics within BSL-2/3/4 environments. The role also involves technical leadership, training personnel, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as CLIA, CAP, and COLA. This position is contingent upon contract award.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Medical Laboratory Scientist Technical Manager, overseeing and performing clinical laboratory work and providing technical supervision within the SPL and CDC Laboratory Response Network (LRN).
• Perform clinical diagnostics including microbiology (viral/bacterial isolation, identification, and characterization) and molecular diagnostics (real-time PCR).
• Conduct microbiological and biochemical examinations on clinical and environmental specimens to detect microbial agents, including preparation and examination of slides.
• Perform proficiency testing on simulated specimens and ensure proper quality control (QC) and maintenance procedures are followed, maintaining accurate records, logs, and reports.
• Provide technical and complex information to research scientists, physicians, and medical personnel clearly and effectively.
• Plan, conduct, evaluate, and report on scientific and laboratory projects, including clinical sample testing within the SPL, CDC LRN, and OCONUS labs with minimal technical direction.
• Perform complex laboratory methods such as real-time PCR, multiplexed PCR, immunoassays, next- sequencing, and point-of-need testing.
• Provide technical leadership in clinical research, assist in the planning and evaluation of new testing procedures, and train laboratory or related personnel.
• Review current literature to maintain knowledge of state-of-the-art laboratory methodologies and write/maintain SOPs according to internal guidelines.
• Participate in specimen collection and maintain responsibility for research subject identification and specimen management.
• Travel CONUS/OCONUS for scientific conferences, workshops, training, and conducting clinical sample testing in remote/austere field locations.
• Maintain BPRP enrollment in compliance with all applicable regulations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, or a closely related field. Master's degree in a relevant scientific field is .
• 5+ years of post-graduate work experience in a high-complexity testing clinical laboratory, research laboratory, or OCONUS laboratory setting.
• Extensive experience in microbiology and molecular biology, specifically in areas such as real-time PCR, microbial isolation, identification, and characterization.
• Proven experience working in BSL-2/3/4 environments and performing clinical diagnostics under stringent laboratory conditions.
• Leadership experience, including supervising teams, providing technical training, and performing quality control procedures.
• Experience in developing and implementing SOPs and maintaining compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by a nationally recognized accreditation agency (e.g., ASCP) .
• Active BPRP and/or CS-PRP status

Work Environment:

• Laboratory environment

Physical Demands:

• May lift up to 25lbs

Benefits:

KIC offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees including: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401k with Match, Life and ADD Coverage, Short and Long Term , Paid Time Off and Holidays, Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Discount Program, and more!

Apply online at our website: https://kikiktagruk.applicantpool.com/

Disclaimer:

This is not to be an exclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the person in this job. KIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIC considers all applicants for employment without regard to , , , , , , physical or mental , family responsibility, marital status, , political affiliation, veteran's status, , or any other legal protected status.

Pursuant to The Alaska Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation, may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to KIC Shareholders, and their Descendants.

Successful candidates must adhere to KIC's Drug and Alcohol policy/testing requirements and may be required to pass a background and/or Motor Vehicle Records check.

The salary range for this position is based on several factors, including relevant experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. We aim to provide a fair and equitable salary, that remains competitive within the industry.