Staff Scientist I El Paso

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>Empower, Innovate, Impact!</strong>&nbsp; At Team A-TEK, we EMPOWER people to drive INNOVATION that IMPACTS mission!</p> <p>A-TEK operates at the intersection of mission and innovation by applying our deep domain expertise across the federal markets. Embracing our digital-first strategy, A-TEK provides enhanced capabilities in application development, digital transformation, enterprise IT, and scientific services. Our solutions are designed to modernize, automate, secure, protect, and enhance the operations of our federal clients, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.</p> <p>Our work is fueled by a passion to serve our clients’ needs and to protect the safety and welfare of Americans. That passion shapes how we nurture our most valuable asset – Our Employees. A-TEK actively cultivates the talent that drives our success and fosters a creative, challenging, and mission-driven work environment for current and future employees.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div><p>This position will be responsible for performing non-research biological science work utilizing microbiological and molecular techniques, including, but not limited to, DNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) to rapidly identify and characterize potential pathogenic bacterial and viral threat agents.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Handling, receipt, and processing of operational, Quality Assurance (QA), and proficiency test (PT) samples potentially containing biological threat agents.</li> <li>Preparing reagents and samples.</li> <li>Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).</li> <li>Decontamination of workspaces, including Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), hoods/air boxes, equipment, and other items associated with processing and analysis activities.</li> <li>Maintaining chain-of-custody (CoC).</li> <li>Interpretation of results.</li> <li>Data entry utilizing computerized or computer-linked systems.</li> <li>Performing routine equipment calibration, cleaning, assembly, and maintenance.</li> <li>Collecting, processing, and analyzing internal laboratory swipes/swabs for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and contamination monitoring.</li> <li>Proper disposal of biohazardous waste.</li> <li>Restocking and maintaining proper inventory of necessary supplies.</li> <li>Supporting BW Program logistics in conducting and documenting annual inventory of DHS-procured durable equipment and property.</li> <li>QA/QC and acceptance testing of reagents in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the Laboratory Operations Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP).</li> <li>