Senior Research Microbiologist – Clinical Lab

About the role

We are seeking a senior Research Microbiologist to lead a clinical service focused on rapid detection of drug‑resistant infectious pathogens and growth‑based drug susceptibility testing. The position is based onsite in Atlanta, GA, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the clinical laboratory service for rapid detection of drug resistance and perform growth‑based susceptibility testing.
• Maintain compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations and Division policies.
• Develop, validate, and implement laboratory procedures and new methods for detection and characterization of infectious pathogens.
• Evaluate and improve existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure branch‑specific compliance.
• Oversee data analysis, quality‑assurance activities, and reporting of laboratory results.
• Provide supervisory guidance to laboratory staff (approximately 20 % of duties) and mentor junior personnel.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry or a related medical science with required coursework, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility for federal employment.
• Demonstrated experience in clinical microbiology, CLIA‑regulated environments, and method development.
• Potential or experience in supervising laboratory personnel.

Required skills

• Microbiological techniques for pathogen detection and drug‑resistance testing.
• CLIA compliance and laboratory quality‑assurance procedures.
• Development, validation, and implementation of laboratory methods and SOPs.
• Data analysis and interpretation of microbiology results.
• Supervisory and mentorship abilities.