QA Biologist

• - TX-Austin
• Austin, TX, USA
• Full Time

Position Purpose:   

To provide laboratory support, including sample production and quality control testing, to Signature Science's ISO 17043 accredited Proficiency Testing Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform proficiency test sample preparation laboratory activities, including sample spiking, nucleic acid extraction, PCR analysis, immunoassay analysis, microbiological analysis, and packaging samples for shipment.
• Review and summarize quality assurance and/or proficiency test data, provide input and review of technical reports, identify data trends and other issues
• Assist with the validation and/or verification of new methods
• Provide support in the areas of molecular biology and/or microbiology as they pertain to quality assurance of collection or analytical activities
• May assist client laboratories in preparing for external ISO 17025 accreditation assessments and attend assessments as an advocate for the client laboratory.
• May regularly communicate with external laboratory staff to help resolve QA, PT, or other quality-related issues
• Perform other laboratory support activities (e.g., inventory, control chart maintenance, equipment monitoring/maintenance) as needed

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience performing microbiological, PCR, and/or immunoassay analytical techniques
• Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Proactive, self-starter

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor degree (or higher) in biology or related field
• Basic experience performing molecular biology and/or microbiological laboratory methods
• Experience assessing data for trends desired

Certificates and Licenses:

None

Clearance:

Candidate must be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Working Conditions/ Equipment:

• Ability to work in varying conditions to include: traditional office environments with sedentary extended periods required for voluminous data analysis via office automation;
• Climate controlled laboratory environments requiring extended periods of standing when performing laboratory analyses, or during audits and SOP observation;
• Mobile laboratories, subject to wide ranges of temperature and humidity requiring extended periods of standing, stooping or kneeling in confined spaces; conference, classrooms or theaters that involve extended periods of standing for training delivery or command briefings; and outdoors in various weather and lighting conditions including heat, humidity, cold, snow, bright sun, and dark night.
• Exposure to various chemical and biological materials associated with an analytical lab or facility.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, coats or gowns, shoe cover, tyvek coveralls, safety glasses, respirators, and/or PAPRs.
• Subject to medical monitoring based on lab functions.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.