Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Description

Overview

Tanaq Management Services (TMS) delivers professional, scientific, and technical services and information technology (IT) solutions to federal agencies in the health, agriculture, technology, and other government services. TMS is a subsidiary of the St. George Tanaq Corporation, an Alaskan Native Corporation (ANC) committed to serving Federal customers while also giving back to the Tanaq native community and shareholders.

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled Lab Equipment Specialist with hands on wet laboratory experience to join our team supporting federal public health laboratories. This role focuses heavily on ensuring the accuracy, precision, and reliability of critical laboratory tools, with a primary emphasis on specialized pipette calibrations, small equipment maintenance, and adherence to rigorous quality standards. The successful candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology/laboratory techniques and will be able to work independently as well as part of a team. The ideal candidate will also have familiarity with laboratory compliance such as biosafety and quality management systems. 

The position will involve supporting a variety of laboratory services including working with a diverse team and interfacing with clients. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with various disciplines of life sciences and biotechnology as well as contribute to important vital services that support a variety of public health initiatives.

A Laboratory Equipment Specialist is a generalist title for this role performing various laboratory-based tasks to support the team. This includes developing and standardizing procedures, including administrative tasks and internal correspondence with federal employees. This role would be responsible for developing and implementing quality control procedures. In addition, the specialist would also be responsible for troubleshooting problems and providing technical support to the team.

This is a fully onsite position at our customer's location in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Responsibilities

Pipette Calibrations & Maintenance

• Perform analyzer-based and gravimetric pipette calibrations for both single- and multi-channel pipettes.
• Execute regularly scheduled pipette maintenance and small equipment repairs to optimize equipment performance and longevity.

Calibration, Standards, & Documentation

• Perform regular calibration and maintenance of laboratory measurement instruments to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Develop, document, and author small equipment Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for metrology functions.
• Maintain comprehensive records of all calibration activities, ensuring traceability to international standards.

Measurement Systems Analysis & Compliance

• Evaluate measurement system capabilities and recommend improvements for accuracy and repeatability.
• Conduct root cause analysis of measurement-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory, industry, and organizational standards, including ISO 17025 and applicable metrology frameworks.
• Support internal and external audits and inspections related to metrology functions.

Technical Support & Reporting

• Collaborate with quality assurance and laboratory teams to provide technical guidance on measurement challenges.
• Train personnel on the proper use, handling, and care of measurement and laboratory equipment.
• Analyze measurement data to identify trends, inconsistencies, or system improvements, and prepare detailed activity reports.

Requirements

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 1-3 years of laboratory experience with molecular biological laboratory procedures and methods, with a preference toward direct experience with CLIA-certified assays.
• Strong understanding of measurement principles, uncertainty calculations, and statistical analysis.
• Experience conducting research that involves preparation and handling of nucleic acid samples, real-time PCR, ELISA, etc.
• Extensive knowledge of laboratory principles and standard methods.
• Experience writing project reports, research protocols and manuscripts, with the ability to synthesize new research ideas for project research preferred.
• Experience performing laboratory work at a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) or BSL-2-enhanced required. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, required.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective organization skills.
• Experience working as a Calibration Technician or in a similar role within a clinical, hospital, or biomedical research setting preferred.
• Proficiency in using calibration tools, including flukes, NIST thermometers, and other measurement devices preferred. 
• Experience performing next-generation sequencing (NGS) preferred.
• Experience in laboratory diagnosis of viral infections preferred.
• Experience supporting CDC or federal public health laboratory contracts preferred.
• Ability to obtain government clearance. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, Microbiology, Life Sciences or closely related field.

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically capable of performing repetitive motions such as pipetting and operating cell counters.
• Ability to obtain necessary immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases relevant to laboratory placement, including Hepatitis B, among others.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• May need to lift 25 pounds regularly.
• Must be able to work with hazardous chemicals and potentially infectious biological agents.

Who We Are

Tanaq Management Services (TMS) is a public health contractor, certified 8(a) business, owned by St. George Tanaq Corporation, an Alaska Native Corporation. (ANC). We listen to our stakeholders and leverage our science, technology, communication, and program expertise to understand and provide feedback as we develop solutions.

Our Commitment to Non-Discrimination

St. George Tanaq is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Tanaq complies with the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988 and E-Verify.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance completing any part of the application process, please email accommodation@tanaq.com to request a reasonable accommodation. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Notice on Candidate AI Usage

Tanaq is committed to ensuring a fair and competitive interview process for all candidates based on their experience, skills and education. To ensure the integrity of the interview process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during phone, in person and virtual interviews is not allowed. However, candidates who require a reasonable accommodation that may involve AI are required to contact us prior to their interview at accommodation@tanaq.com.

To apply for this position, visit: 

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4372503