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GAP Solutions, Inc. · 3 hours ago

Biologist (Mosquitos)

Rockville, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

GAP Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Biologist to support the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research. The role involves overseeing biosafety measures, managing mosquito containment, and conducting various laboratory procedures related to malaria research.

Management Consulting

H1B Sponsor Likely

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

Qualification

Molecular biology techniquesBiosafety protocolsTaxonomic identificationGenetically modified mosquitoesLaboratory quality controlData analysisReport writingRecord-keepingCollaboration

Required