Laboratory Technician

** Job Family**  **:*
* Laboratory Technician

** Travel Required**  **:*
* None

** Clearance Required**  **:*
* Ability to Obtain Public Trust

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* What You Will Do:

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* We are looking for a Laboratory Technician to support research projects at the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD). This position will provide laboratory support for DNA and RNA normalization, sample management, sequencing preparation, laboratory operations, and technical troubleshooting. This position is a full-time position located in Bethesda, Maryland.

+ Perform routine laboratory procedures, including DNA/RNA concentration measurement and normalization, sample preparation for sequencing, genotyping, and research protocols, and experiments conducted according to established procedures.

+ Store, process, organize, intake, log, track, and manage clinical research samples, including human plasma and brain tissue, across large-scale CARD projects while ensuring accuracy, quality control, and data integrity throughout the sample lifecycle.

+ Manage incoming and outgoing sample shipments, coordinate shipments between CARD and external collaborators, and ensure proper handling, documentation, priority-setting, and chain-of-custody compliance based on project deadlines and research requirements.

+ Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments required to support research studies.

+ Prepare materials, specimens, equipment, supplies, and consumables needed for laboratory experiments; monitor inventory, coordinate with procurement and administrative staff, and initiate purchase requests to maintain adequate stock and proper working condition.

+ Maintain and update sample inventory systems, project databases, logs, and detailed records covering sample processing, storage, shipments, laboratory activities, procedures, results, and observations.

+ Test, evaluate, and document new laboratory protocols; contribute to protocol development, sample management workflow improvements, tracking system enhancements, and operational efficiency across collaborative CARD projects.

+ Communicate research results, sample-related inquiries, deliverable status, progress updates, reports, collected data, and conclusions with laboratory staff, project leads, senior staff, project managers, consortium partners, and external collaborators.

+ Coordinate with laboratory staff to align daily sample processing activities, project timelines, milestones, and deliverables with long-term research objectives and goals.

+ Assist with onboarding and training staff in sample logging, shipment procedures, laboratory databases, laboratory protocols, and sample management processes.

+ Engage in problem-solving to address technical challenges and support delivery of high-quality experimental data suitable for publication and reporting.

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* What You Will Need:

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* + Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related scientific field.

+ Minimum of TWO (2) year of laboratory experience supporting scientific research activities.

+ Skilled in performing DNA and RNA concentration measurement and normalization procedures.

+ Proficient in handling and processing clinical research samples, including biological specimens.

+ Hands-on familiarity with laboratory equipment and instruments used to support research studies.

+ Demonstrated ability to maintain laboratory documentation, records, databases, and inventory systems.

+ Background organizing, processing, and tracking samples while maintaining data accuracy and integrity.

+ Ability to prepare laboratory reports, summaries, and research documentation.

+ Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

+ Proficiency using Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Google Suite.

+ Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.

+ Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.

** What Would Be Nice To Have:*
* + Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certification.

+ Familiarity using Qubit or similar instruments to measure DNA concentration.

+ Collaborative approach to working with researchers, laboratory staff, and external stakeholders.

+ Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines in a research environment.

+ Background supporting next-generation sequencing, genotyping, or related molecular biology workflows.

+ Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale sample inventories and shipment coordination.

+ Knowledge of working with human plasma, brain tissue, or other clinical research specimens.

+ Ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment and technical procedures.

+ Contributions to protocol development and laboratory process improvements.

+ Capability to train laboratory staff on laboratory procedures and sample management processes.

+ Exposure to Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or related biomedical research programs.

The annual…