The CDC Foundation is looking for applicants for a Research Scientist role requiring laboratory experience in molecular methods and next‑generation sequencing. The scientist will support the Partnership for Antimalaria Resistance Monitoring in Africa (PARMA) by implementing and assessing the National Malaria Elimination Center’s Oxford Malaria Amplicon Drug‑Resistance Sequencing (NOMADS) assay, which uses Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ NGS platform.

This is a full‑time, on‑site position (40 hours per week) that may occasionally require weekend work. The selected candidate will be employed by the CDC Foundation and work at the CDC’s Roybal campus in Atlanta, Georgia. The role supports the Laboratory Science and Diagnostics Branch within the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, part of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, with a pay range of 95,000 to 120,000 dollars depending on qualifications. It is grant‑funded through October 31, 2026.

Duties include:
• Setting up the NOMADS lab assay, including ordering supplies, managing inventory, ensuring biosafety requirements are met, and preparing CDC‑compliant protocols and documentation.
• Establishing the NOMADS data analysis pipeline by verifying adequate computing resources, organizing sequencing outputs and metadata, and drafting CDC‑compliant analysis protocols for identifying antimalarial drug‑resistance mutations, genotyping, and pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletion detection.
• Evaluating and validating the NOMADS assay by selecting appropriate malaria specimens, optimizing the assay, designing and conducting validation studies, analyzing data, and preparing validation reports.
• Assessing the assay’s reliability in identifying resistance markers, pfhrp2 or pfhrp3 deletions, recrudescent strains, and other applications.
• Collaborating with partners at CIGASS (UCAD) and PATH to develop training materials, define output criteria, create evaluation checklists, and conduct hands‑on training.
• Working with CDC, CIGASS, and PATH to develop an external quality assurance kit containing control materials for evaluating NOMADS assay performance in multiple laboratories.
• Working with USAID, Ministries of Health, academic institutions, and CDC experts in sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Contributing to long‑term efforts to strengthen laboratory capacity for sequencing malaria samples and analyzing data in malaria‑endemic regions.
• Providing written and oral project updates, presenting at scientific meetings, and contributing to publications.
• Adhering to biosafety requirements and completing all required trainings.
• Participating in limited domestic and international travel as needed.
• Performing other assigned duties.

Required qualifications and skills include:
• A Ph.D. in biology, public health, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least five years of laboratory experience in molecular techniques and next‑generation sequencing.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and work independently.
• Strong planning and time‑management skills with a focus on producing high‑quality work.
• Proven ability to compile and analyze laboratory data.
• Strong skills in tracking, summarizing, and reporting laboratory activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency with software such as Microsoft Office and laboratory analysis tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated success working in team environments.
• Ability to collaborate with individuals across diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds, including international organizations.
• Experience performing routine laboratory maintenance tasks.

About the CDC Foundation:
The CDC Foundation supports CDC’s mission to protect health and safety by connecting CDC with philanthropic, corporate, and community partners. Authorized by Congress, the Foundation mobilizes private resources to advance CDC’s work across a wide range of health threats, from chronic and infectious diseases to emergency response efforts. More information is available at https://www.cdcfoundation.org.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. The organization complies with all applicable laws, including E.O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, and takes affirmative action to support protected veterans. The CDC Foundation maintains a smoke‑free workplace. Relocation costs are not provided.