Biological Scientist (52695)

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Main Campus/Bethesda - Bethesda, MD 20892Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Bachelors DegreeSalary Range: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 Salary/yearTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: Public HealthPosition Objective: The Biological Scientist will provide support services to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) within the National Institutes of Health.

Duties and Responsibilities

Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, including molecular cloning, in vitro transcription, DNA/RNA analysis, protein expression in microbial systems, and protein purification and plasmid engineering. 1
Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research. 2
Research and recommend implementation to qPCR and multiplex PCR, DNA and RNA isolation and characterization methdologies.
Research and recommend for implementation new lab capabilities to generate an optimize new RNA vector molecules.
Maintain precise and complete records of all experimental activities, to include methodologies, instrumentation and findings for future reference. 3
Input accurate record of all research activities and findings in in-house databases and repositories.
Maintain deep understanding of research methodologies and the latest trends and developments in molecular and celluar biological testing and research. 4
Consult with diverse, cross-functional stakeholder groups to identify opportunities, develop problem statements and understand context to inform research strategies.
Produce final reports and presentations of experiments and findings for distribution internally among researchers and senior administrators. 5
Write scholarly articles for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals.
Plan, conduct, and complete investigations
Perform complex laboratory tests, determinations and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
Conduct research to investigate the mechanisms by which immune responses control(including HIV) in vivo, and the mechanisms by which viruses escape such control.
Conduct research on the immune response, innate and adaptive, to such agents; the pathogenesis, including viral, cellular, and immune components, of such agents; the potential of various animal models to predict pathogenesis and/or immune responses in humans; vaccine design and development; and development of potential therapeutic agents.
Collect, process, and interpret experimental data.
Design new technologies and protocols.
Prepare written reports, funding documents, and manuscripts for submission to scientific journals
Design and characterize novel vaccine constructs for SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1 and other infectious disease pathogens; this includes designing the gene constructs, making and purifying the proteins or nanoparticles, and characterizing them using various biophysical (eg. Octet) and immunological assays (eg. ELISA)
Conduct viral and non-viral vectors production
Maintain lab supply inventory
Perform biological samples inventory
Lead and manage animal study protocols testing novel vaccine constructs in small and large animal models; Conduct immunizations with both protein and DNA vaccine constructs; evaluate sera from vaccinated animals for immune responses using various immunological assays like ELISA and flow cytometry
Develop mRNA vaccine platform in the laboratory by establishing production of mRNA in vitro and generating liposome formulation for encapsulation of the mRNA
Work products and documents related to performing complex laboratory tests, determinations and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches.
Work products and documents related to conducting research to investigate the mechanisms by which immune responses control (including HIV) in vivo, and the mechanisms by which viruses escape such control.
Work products and documents related to collecting, processing and interpreting experimental data; conduct protein production; conduct viral and non-viral vectors production; conduct DNA plasmid library database maintenance; manage lab supply inventory; perform biological samples inventory
Meet with lab members to present updates – Weekly
Work products and documents related to the Development of novel vaccine constructs including nanoparticle platforms against SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1 and other relevant pathogens
Work products and documents related to the development of a mRNA vaccine platform for use in immunization studies in animals

QualificationsBasic Qualifications

Ph.D. in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline.
Three (3) years of specialized experience plus a Master’s degree is equivalent to a Ph.D.
Five (5) years of specialized experience plus a Bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a Ph.D.
Demonstrates experience working in a laboratory environment
Ten (10) years of experience in biology or a related field
Demonstrates knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
Demonstrates knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures.
Demonstrates in depth knowledge of complex scientific methodologies and technologies related to vaccine technology like protein design, production, characterization.
Demonstrates in depth knowledge of biochemical and biophysical technologies to evaluate proteins

Skilled in MS Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff
Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at [email protected]. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

This position is contingent upon contract award.