Jacinta Williams

Master's

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Chenega Enterprise Systems and Solutions

Microbiologist

- Job Title: Environmental Microbiologist (GS-11 equivalent - 40 Hours/week - Core Scientific Duties - I currently serve as an environmental microbiologist for Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch's (NCEZID/DFWED/WDPB) Free Living and Intestinal Amoeba laboratory performing various lab duties - Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, Naegleria and Entamoeba, zoonotic waterborne parasites of humans and animals worldwide - Laboratory Duties - Perform clinical laboratory tests to detect and identify parasitic amoebas from patient samples such as stool, CSF and tissue specimens - Use laboratory technical skills like cell culture, DNA purification and PCR to lead and support - Design and perform experiments to optimize current protocols or develop new protocols - Cultivate and characterize microorganisms using a variety of techniques including morphology - Maintain laboratory equipment, ensure adherence to safety protocols, and manage inventory to support efficient research operations - Bioinformatic Duties - Use bioinformatics software and algorithms to analyze large-scale genomic datasets - Perform sequence alignment, assembly, and annotation to identify genetic variations, mutations, and functional elements - Analyze and interpret genomic data using bioinformatics tools to study amebic diversity and evolutionary relationships - Work closely with biologists, geneticists, and other researchers to interpret computational - Quality Assurance/Compliance (QA/QC - Verify and document refrigerator/freezer/incubator temperatures and room temperature/humidity for CLIA and non-CLIA samples/reagents/equipment - Maintain competency to perform all assigned protocols in accordance with CLIA regulations - Maintain and ensure the accuracy of laboratory procedures, adherence to safety protocols, and compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., CLIA, CDC - Collaborate with healthcare teams to analyze audit findings, identify root causes of issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to enhance clinical quality and patient - Participate in risk assessment and management activities, including the development of risk - Related Awards and Accomplishments - Earned performance-based raise within 7 months of hire - Ensured compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., CLIA, FDA) and accreditation requirements