Associate Scientist Chicago

Empower, Innovate, Impact! At Team A-TEK, we EMPOWER people drive INNOVATION that IMPACTS mission!

A-TEK operates at the intersection of mission and innovation by applying our deep domain expertise across the federal markets. Embracing our digital-first strategy, A-TEK provides enhanced capabilities in application development, digital transformation, enterprise IT, and scientific services. Our solutions are designed to modernize, automate, secure, protect, and enhance the operations of our federal clients, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Our work is fueled by a passion to serve our clients’ needs and to protect the safety and welfare of Americans. That passion shapes how we nurture our most valuable asset – Our Employees. A-TEK actively cultivates the talent that drives our success and fosters a creative, challenging, and mission-driven work environment for current and future employees.

This position will be responsible for performing non-research molecular testing of samples for potentially containing biological threat agents, ensuring incoming operational, QA, and other sample types are processed while maintaining chain of custody. The role includes preparing reports, answering questions, troubleshooting, and making recommendations to the supervisor for inclusion in comprehensive reports. The individual must maintain and operate equipment properly and in a safe manner, performing routine calibrations and adjustments.

All procedures must follow proper handling and storage protocols for various materials.

Additionally, the role requires maintaining knowledge and skills related to the position and program. Laboratory operations are 7 days a week. Team members take turns with weekends and holidays to ensure results are reported each day. In the event of a public health emergency, extended work hours and alternative shift work may be required to maintain temporary emergency 24/7 operations. A pre-employment drug screening is required.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related coursework in biological sciences.
• At least one year of laboratory bench experience, utilizing PCR, aseptic techniques and experience with biological assays. Laboratory training that is assigned or accompanies an associated course is not considered applicable training.
• All employees and job applicants must hold a valid Green Card or US Citizenship at the time of application.

A-TEK, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or Vietnam era or other protected Veteran status. Verification of education may be requested before or during the hiring process.