Senior Laboratory Sequencing Specialist

Goldbelt Professional Services specializes in providing expert resources for Public Health missions including scientific, technical, and administrative support from junior staff to high-level subject matter experts. Research and data driven, Goldbelt Professional Services' experts create solutions customized to the client's needs.

Summary:

Goldbelt Professional Services, LLC is seeking a responsible and professional Senior Laboratory Sequencing Specialist to serve as a subject matter expert in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advanced molecular detection methods for wastewater-based pathogen surveillance. The role is responsible for driving scientific innovation, providing technical support to public health laboratories and partners, and leading projects that enhance detection and characterization of pathogens in wastewater and related matrices.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as an internal and external subject matter expert for next generation sequencing technologies and approaches for pathogen target detection and characterization from wastewater.
• Provide technical support to public health laboratories and wastewater surveillance partners for sequencing and advanced molecular methods of wastewater testing.
• Develop, refine, and manage scientific projects focused on advanced molecular methods and technologies that help advance the science of wastewater pathogen detection and characterization.
• Onboard, operate, and help maintain advanced sequencing instruments and technologies to support wastewater test method development.
• Sequence and characterize wastewater and other related matrices for pathogen targets of interest using advanced molecular detection techniques.
• Investigate and develop new and novel sequencing, detection and characterization approaches for wastewater testing that improve and expand the public health impact of wastewater surveillance.
• Collaborate with internal CDC programs and teams, and with external partners to advance the science of wastewater sequencing, and target detection and characterization.
• Develop and conduct verification or validation activities, as needed, for sequencing instruments, technologies, and methods that support wastewater testing.
• Disseminate advancements in wastewater sequencing methods and technologies through published manuscripts and conference presentations.
• Perform basic bioinformatic functions to support sequencing technologies and detection methods.
• Contribute to quality and safety initiatives for the NWSS Laboratory, especially related to advanced molecular methods and technologies.
• Support CDC emergency response needs through wastewater laboratory activities and advanced molecular method development and testing.

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Proven ability to review, summarize, and synthesize scientific literature, including peer-reviewed publications and open-access protocols.
• Strong background in documenting laboratory methods, workflows, and data management practices.
• Knowledge of CDC laboratory documentation standards and federal laboratory requirements.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance frameworks for biosafety and laboratory standards.
• Ability to provide subject matter expertise (SME) and technical assistance to colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills to translate complex laboratory methods into clear guidance for the public health laboratory community.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least seven (3) years of experience in relevant work or related areas.
• Experience in writing and editing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical guidance documents, and scientific reports for public health or research labs.
• Experience drafting and reviewing internal quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) documentation.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary public health teams, including laboratorians, epidemiologists, and data scientists.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in Public Health or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience developing and implementing bioinformatics resources for government or academic institutions, including public health informatics platforms.
• Recognized contributions to the field through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at key conferences.
• Previous experience with federal government agencies; preferably with CDC.

Pay and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $135,000 annually.

At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.