Posting Title: BIOSCIENCES TECHNICIAN 2
Job #: 008201
Posted Date: 02/05/2009
Job Title: BioSciences Technician 2 (503.2)
Job Term: Flexible Term
Salary Range: $19.56 - $31.69
Organization: 9852 Biosciences, Biotechnology
Directorate: Chemistry, Materials, Earth and Life Sciences
NOTE: This is a Flexible Term (at will) appointment, not to exceed six years. Lab employees and external candidates may be considered for this position. Work will be performed at the DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) Production Genomics Facility (PGF) in Walnut Creek, California.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB
Under general supervision and guidance, will serve as a Biosciences Technician 2 within the Quality Control / Quality Assurance Group at the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) to provide moderately complex quality assurance reagents support including: inventory, purchasing, testing and release, and troubleshooting. Will interact with Production group leaders, vendors and procurement staff to solve routine quality control problems and analyze and test production reagents. Will troubleshoot process issues and maintain and update laboratory protocols. Position will report to the QA/QC Group Leader.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Following standard laboratory protocols will provide moderately complex technical support to the JGI Quality Control / Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Program including: reagent inventory, purchasing, testing and release, and troubleshooting.
- Responsible for inventory and ordering of production line reagents and other materials.
- Troubleshoot production line problems and perform analytical and functional quality control testing of production line reagents.
- Assist in developing new quality control methods and writing and/or revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Conduct experiments; analyze data, and assist in identifying areas of improvement to streamline processes.
- Assist in setting tolerances within the production line based on the reagent specifications and production goals.
- Assist with designing methods for testing and controlling of reagents within the production line.
- Collaborate with the QC team to assess the reagents and their impact on the sequence quality; suggest ideas for improving the quality of sequence within the production line.
- Maintain the safety of the reagent room.
- Interact with vendors to ensure that high quality products are received and to address routine quality and inventory issues as they arise.
- Apply Laboratory policies and procedures to resolve a variety of moderately complex issues; exercise sound judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate course of action.

MARGINAL DUTIES
- Assist with special projects as assigned.
- Present current project updates or data reports at group meetings.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
- AA/AS in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working in a scientific laboratory with sufficient knowledge of biology techniques and procedures and/or DNA sequencing.
- Demonstrated knowledge, experience and skills in biological sciences and molecular biology techniques.
- Ability to assist in fabrication, assembly, debugging, and troubleshooting of research equipment.
- Ability to collect, monitor and test data.
- Ability to follow directions and standard written laboratory protocols.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills sufficient to troubleshoot moderately complex process problems and discrepancies in data results and make routine recommendations.
- Intermediate computer skills, including experience with standard software and database programs such Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a diverse, team environment.
- Detail-oriented with strong organization and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks while working with a large number of samples per day.
- Effective time management skills with the ability to be flexible and adapt to frequently changing conditions of the production line.
- Ability to work weekends and/or shift work and may include overtime.

DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
- BA/BS in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field.
- Laboratory experience in molecular biology procedures including DNA sequencing and analysis, cloning, and plasmid DNA isolation procedures.
- Familiarity with automatic high-throughput instrumentation.
- Knowledge of shotgun sequencing.
- Familiarity with Sequence-based data analysis and generating statistics using Excel.
- Experience with enzyme assays.
- Experience with analytical tools such as pH meters, conductivity meters, HPLC, etc.
- Ability to learn and develop new skills and techniques to keep pace with technological changes.
- Knowledge of the production sequencing process at the JGI/Production Sequencing Facility.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A pre-placement medical examination may be required.
Pre-Employment Drug Test: External applicants selected for this position will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
Anticipated Clearance Level: None

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Job Number: 008201