Azura is seeking an experienced Microbiologist within 50 miles of Pascagoula, Mississippi, to support the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries and the National Seafood Inspection Laboratory (NSIL).
Thank you for applying. Azura Consulting LLC (Azura) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position.
This recruitment process can take several weeks. Once we narrow the applicants, we conduct virtual interviews with chosen applicants and make a final selection. The chosen candidate then undergoes a federal background investigation which often takes 6 to 16 weeks; the candidate either passes or fails based on NOAA's regulations. Contingent upon satisfactory completion of this investigation and United States work authorization verification, Azura will formally offer the position to the preferred applicant. If the applicant fails this investigation, the next applicant who meets the position's criteria will be contacted. Azura will notify all other applicants if they are not chosen for the position.
About Azura
Azura is a woman-owned small business headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We offer 'big city' resources with 'small town' customer service. Our primary consulting services are focused on natural resources, professional writing and editing, and educational outreach and communication. Please see our website above for more information.
Background
Azura is seeking an experienced Microbiologist to support the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries and the National Seafood Inspection Laboratory (NSIL). Laboratory objectives include conducting chemical, microbiological, and food safety analysis to support the NOAA’s Product Quality and Safety Programs and other federal, state, and private clients. Analyses performed by this position relate to tasks such as evaluating compliance with seafood processors’ HACCP requirements, auditing the effectiveness of NOAA’s Seafood Inspection Program, identifying illegal or unsafe practices related to seafood, prosecuting perpetrators of illegal or unsafe practices related to seafood, and meeting requirements for exporting seafood.
The primary objective of this position is to conduct microbiological, biotechnology, and food safety analysis to support the NOAA’s Product Quality and Safety Programs and other federal, state, and private clients. Analyses performed by this position relate to tasks such as evaluating compliance with seafood processors’ HACCP requirements, auditing the effectiveness of NOAA’s Seafood Inspection Program, identifying illegal or unsafe practices related to seafood, meeting requirements for exporting seafood, and assisting NSIL with method development projects. Future projects, and those under development, include DNA Sequencer projects, Vibrio spp. quantification and ID project using gel electrophoresis, RT-PCR, and MPN methods.
Having high attention to detail and the ability to manage short project timelines are critical skills for this position. Potential candidates must also possess the curiosity and ability to find solutions and resolve issues based on available resources and also have strong client and team communication skills. Applicants must be able to operate independently, manage their own work schedule, and dedicate blocks of time for uninterrupted focus.
Place of Performance and Work Schedule
Work is to be conducted at the NOAA/National Seafood Inspection Laboratory, 3209 Frederic Street, Pascagoula, Mississippi, and is temporary and full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) during normal operating hours of the facility. The estimated start date is October 24, 2024 (pending security clearance processing). The position will not exceed 6 months in duration. Some travel to in-person meetings may be required. This position is not open to visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.
Compensation and Benefits
Duties
The employee will perform a variety of tasks related to the position. Specific tasks may include the following:
Required Qualifications
How to Apply
$25 - $25 per hour