Biology Technician III (PCR, cloning, sequencing, and nucleic acid extraction)
Akima
Madison, WI
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JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
Madison, WI
POSTED
28 days ago
Responsibilities
+ Conduct laboratory studies of fungal pathogens, including those associated with bat white‑nose syndrome and snake fungal disease.
+ Provide technical support to pathologists and principal investigators during necropsy activities.
+ Assist with necropsies, including sample collection, submission to diagnostic laboratories, and dictation of findings.
+ Create, edit, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs); maintain detailed laboratory notebooks; comply with Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
+ Follow chain‑of‑custody procedures; receive, process, and securely maintain specimens; manage final disposition for legal cases.
+ Enter and track specimen data using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from receipt through final disposition.
+ Support histology operations as needed.
+ Collect, curate, and prepare biological and environmental samples for nucleic acid extraction.
+ Perform molecular techniques including conventional PCR, cloning, DNA sequencing, and species‑level identification of fungal strains and bat specimens.
+ Conduct real‑time PCR assays to detect and quantify pathogens.
+ Troubleshoot molecular biology methods such as PCR and related workflows.
+ Operate laboratory equipment including balances, centrifuges, microscopes, incubators, shakers, pipettes, thermal cyclers, and spectrophotometers.
+ Isolate, culture, maintain, and cryopreserve live microorganisms from clinical samples.
+ Assist with assembling, evaluating, and analyzing data for scientific presentations, reports, and publications.
+ Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, and safety standards in accordance with established guidelines.
Qualifications
+ Must be a US Citizen able to obtain and maintain a Department of Interior PIV card (this can take up to 30 days from offer).
+ High School diploma with 1-2 years of work experience in laboratory setting
+ Experience performing laboratory work with moderate independence, following established protocols and scientific guidelines.
+ Background in wildlife biology, microbiology, molecular biology, pathology, or a related scientific discipline.
+ Demonstrated ability to support necropsy procedures and handle biological specimens safely and accurately.
+ Familiarity with SOP development, laboratory notebook maintenance, and adherence to QMS standards.
+ Experience with chain‑of‑custody procedures and secure specimen handling.
+ Proficiency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or similar data‑tracking tools.
+ Hands‑on experience with molecular techniques including PCR, real‑time PCR, cloning, sequencing, and nucleic acid extraction.
+ Ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
+ Experience culturing and preserving microorganisms.
+ Strong analytical skills for data evaluation, interpretation, and scientific documentation.
+ Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, pathologists, and technical staff.
+ Commitment to laboratory safety, quality assurance, and accurate scientific recordkeeping.
Job ID
2026-21972
Work Type
On-Site
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Systems Engineering (ASE), an Akima company, is not just another federal systems support contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At ASE, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders , ASE provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers , ASE delivers solutions in maritime IT, systems engineering, and integration across the Department of Defense and stands ready to help improve operational performance at a reasonable and sustainable cost.
As an ASE employee , you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability, or have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at job-assist@akima.com or 571-353-7053 (information about job applications status is not available at this contact information).
About the Company
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