Full-Time

Associate Scientist 1

Posted on 9/8/2026

A-TEK

A-TEK

51-200 employees

Federal IT and scientific services

No salary listed

No H1B Sponsorship

El Paso, TX, USA

In Person

US Citizenship Required

Bachelor's

Category
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary (1)
Required Skills
Microbiology

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Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related coursework in biological sciences.
  • At least one year of laboratory bench experience using polymerase chain reaction, aseptic techniques, and biological assays.
  • A valid Green Card or United States citizenship is required at the time of application.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening is required.
Responsibilities
  • Perform non-research molecular testing of samples potentially containing biological threat agents.
  • Process incoming operational, quality assurance, and other sample types while maintaining chain of custody.
  • Prepare reports, answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and make recommendations to the supervisor for inclusion in comprehensive reports.
  • Maintain and safely operate laboratory equipment, including performing routine calibrations and adjustments.
  • Perform procedures in accordance with proper handling and storage requirements for various materials.
  • Maintain knowledge and skills related to the position and program.
  • Participate in rotating weekend and holiday coverage for seven-day laboratory operations.
  • Work extended hours and alternative shifts when required to support temporary emergency 24/7 operations.

A TEK is a woman-owned small business that provides information technology and scientific services to U.S. federal agencies. It helps federal civilian, health, and homeland security missions by delivering specialized IT solutions and scientific support under government contracts. The company’s offerings include GIS integration and tools such as the COVID-19 Tracking Tool powered by Archibus, showcasing its ability to deliver complex projects quickly and tailored to agency needs. Unlike many competitors, A TEK emphasizes long-standing federal partnerships (25+ years) and a track record of efficient delivery, combining domain expertise with rapid, mission-focused implementations. The goal is to help federal agencies advance their missions by providing reliable, scalable IT and scientific solutions that meet unique governmental requirements.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

McLean, Virginia

Founded

1996

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • A-TEK's 2026 website highlights Moxie finalist and Kathy Freeland IGNITE recognition.
  • July 2026 NIH NEAT and NOAA NMITS awards show continued procurement momentum.
  • Bill Vantine's board role strengthens access to government buyers and technical credibility.

What critics are saying

  • Federal customer concentration leaves revenue exposed when NIH, NOAA, or DHS recompete vehicles.
  • Small contract wins like $272,408 NOAA and $6.7 million NIH tasks rarely create scale.
  • If a major vehicle lapses or recompete losses stack, A-TEK faces existential revenue compression.

What makes A-TEK unique

  • Woman-owned federal services firm with 25-plus years across civilian, health, homeland-security missions.
  • Holds long-running GSA MAS vehicles and wins NIH and NOAA task orders in 2026.
  • Leadership brand centers on Kathryn Freeland and board addition Bill Vantine, former NASA adviser.

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Benefits

Remote Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

2%

2 year growth

2%
A-TEK, Inc.
Jul 6th, 2026
A-TEK recognized as a 2026 Moxie Award finalist.

A-TEK recognized as a 2026 Moxie Award finalist. A-TEK is pleased to have been named a finalist in the 2026 Moxie Award, said Kathryn Freeland, President and CEO. A-TEK is pleased to have been named a finalist in the 2026 Moxie Award," said Kathryn Freeland, President and CEO. "I am incredibly proud to congratulate our entire A-TEK team for making this recognition possible. Being named among the boldest and most innovative organizations in the D.C. metro community is a testament to our dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This achievement reflects the passion and collaboration that define our culture, and I am grateful for everything each member of our team does to help A-TEK continue to grow and make a meaningful impact.," Freeland said. Finalists were recently announced by 2026 Moxie Award Co-Chairs Sarah Cody and Sara Roa. "The Moxie Award, now celebrating its 10th year of recognizing Boldness in Business in the Washington, DC area, honors organizations that have set themselves above the rest with that something extra," said Moxie Award Co-Chair Sarah Cody. "Over the last 10 years, we've had the honor of identifying and honoring some of the most admirable companies in the region, and we are thrilled to share this next group of local businesses that demonstrate Moxie in new and exciting ways, making DC a great place to live and work," added Moxie Award Co-Chair Sara Roa. A complete list of finalists can be found here: Moxie Award 2026 Finalists - Moxie Award

A-TEK, Inc.
Apr 28th, 2026
A-TEK, Inc. celebrates Kathryn Freeland as a 2026 IGNITE Powerful Leaders Igniting Digital Technology Honoree.

A-TEK, Inc. celebrates Kathryn Freeland as a 2026 IGNITE Powerful Leaders Igniting Digital Technology Honoree. McLean, VA - A-TEK, Inc. is proud to announce that Kathryn "Kathy" Freeland, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has been named a 2026 IGNITE Powerful Leaders Igniting Digital Technology Honoree by GOVTECH CONNECTS. This recognition highlights federal, military, and industry leaders who are driving bold, measurable digital transformation across government through innovation, collaboration, and mission-focused execution. IGNITE 2026, hosted by GOVTECH CONNECTS, brings together top decision-makers and operators who are reshaping the digital landscape. The event showcases leaders who are implementing AI, strengthening cybersecurity, modernizing acquisition, advancing data-driven operations, and accelerating technology adoption to deliver real mission impact. The selection of Kathy Freeland underscores her leadership in driving innovation that transforms how federal organizations operate, modernizes mission-critical systems, enhances cyber resilience, and delivers measurable outcomes across federal health, civilian, and national security agencies. "I'm honored to be recognized alongside such an accomplished group of leaders," said Kathy Freeland. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and our shared commitment to driving meaningful transformation and delivering impactful results that strengthen mission outcomes." IGNITE 2026 will culminate in a celebration of this year's honorees on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, followed by a networking reception with federal, military, and industry leaders.

Business Wire
Jul 5th, 2023
McLean, VA-based A-TEK, Inc. Announces Dr. William Vantine Has Joined A-TEK’s Board of Directors | Business Wire

MCLEAN, Va.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--A-TEK, Inc. announced today that long-time government executive Dr. William “Bill” Vantine has joined its Board of Directors.