Molecular Virology Research Scientist

Cape Fox subsidiary Eagle Health, LLC is seeking candidates for a Molecular Virology Research Scientistto support a government customer at Ft. Detrick.This position is contingent upon contract award.

Incumbents are encouraged to apply!

The salary range (or hiring range) for this exempt position has been established at:$74,000 - $82,000.

The above salary range represents the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. In addition, we offer a variety of benefits including company holidays, paid time off, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life and disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, as well as 401K with company match. This job will be posted until filled or withdrawn.

The Employee shall provide downstream support to study viral infection in animal systems for evaluating pathogenesis and the protective efficacy of medical countermeasures (vaccines, antibody-based therapeutics and drugs). Assays shall include immunogenicity studies such as cellular/humoral immune responses using Luminex, ELISA, flow cytometry, ELISPOT and other immunological techniques. The Employee shall design and implement in vitro cell culture systems (single cells and microphysiological systems) to evaluate viral replication in the context of pathogenesis and medical countermeasure development. The Employee should have demonstrated experience developing and use of microphysiological systems. The Employee shall work in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories and handle controlled substances. These areas shall be developed within the Virology division and through collaborations both within and outside of USAMRIID to further the antiviral vaccine and therapeutic portfolio of the Institute.

Responsibilities:

• Employee shall serve as a BSL-3 and BSL-4 mentor.
• Employee shall coordinate and collaborate with scientists within the Division and the Institute on in vivo and in vitro studies to evaluate medical countermeasures against infectious diseases. Employee shall support approximately 10 small animal studies in BSL-2, -3, and -4 laboratories, by autonomously running downstream analysis including assessment of viral replication (plaque assay and RT-qPCR), transcriptomic analysis (spatial, single cell and/or bulk), blood chemistry, viral antigen and/or antiviral antibody detection using in-house Luminex assays or ELISAs, determine cytokine and chemokines levels. Employee shall assist with review, organization and analysis of study data. Study data shall be reported to the PI as required.
• Employee shall use cell culture techniques to perform in vitro testing of candidate vaccines and therapeutic compounds against a variety of viruses. Culture and maintain microphysiological systems, including organ tissue equivalents, organs-on-a-chip and/or organoid systems for in vitro studies.
• Employee shall assist in planning, managing, and executing complex in vitro studies using organ tissue equivalents, organs-on-a-chip and/or organoid systems to study viral pathogenesis, replication and evaluate medical countermeasure efficacy. Employee shall review, organize, and analyze study data and report the results to the PI.
• Employee shall design and perform basic and specialized molecular biology techniques including but not limited to: PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA preparations and purification, cloning, transformations, fluorescence in-situ Hybridization (FISH), flow cytometry, Western blot, IFAs, high content imaging, plaque assays, PRNTs, and other molecular biology techniques and other assays to support ongoing projects.
• Employee shall perform basic cell culture. Oversee cryopreservation and thawing of cell lines. Transfect cells to conduct protein and antibody purification. Produce and characterize viral stocks.
• Employee shall present protocols and data generated at weekly virology meetings as required.
• Employee shall assess and maintain laboratory supplies in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories. Shall assess supplies and ensure supplies are ordered or shall order supplies using GFEBS and/or DMLSS ordering system.
• Employee shall perform technical literature searches and assist in the preparation of at least one proposal, at least one technical report, and one peer-reviewed manuscript for publication each year. Employee may be required to present work at approximately one Scientific Meeting per year which may require CONUS or OCONUS travel.
• Employee shall be responsible for the accountability, management, safeguard, and storage of BSAT, animal tissue samples, and working stock samples. Employee shall ensure current records are maintained and communicated to the FSAP-registered PI as required.
• Employee shall assist with annual conduct of Equipment Inventory Management in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4.
• Employee shall provide the TPOC a PI Technical Report NLT the last working day of each month.
• CS-PRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.
• BPRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.