Easter Seals Jobs

Summary

Come join a company that strives for Extraordinary People and Exceptional Performance ! Chenega Professional & Technical Services, LLC, a Chenega Professional Services ’ company, is looking for a Research Scientist I. The Research Scientist I 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 will include immunogenicity studies such as cellular/humoral immune responses using Luminex, ELISA, flow cytometry, ELISPOT and other immunological techniques. The contractor shall design and implement in vitro cell culture systems (single cells and micro physiological systems) to evaluate viral replication in the context of pathogenesis and medical countermeasure development. Generation Sequencing (NGS) data is desirable.

In this role, the Research Scientist I will work in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories and handle controlled substances thus must hold and maintain BPRP and CS-PRP status, IAW the provisions of this contract and applicable regulations. These areas will 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.

Our company offers employees the opportunity to join a team where there is a robust employee benefits program, management engagement, quality leadership, an atmosphere of teamwork, recognition for performance, and promotion opportunities. We actively strive to channel our highly engaged employee’s knowledge, critical thinking, innovative solutions for our clients.

Responsibilities

• 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. Contractor 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. Assist with review, organization and analysis of study data. Study data will be reported to the PI as required.

• 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.

• 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. Review, organize, and analyze study data and report the results to the PI.

• 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.

• Perform basic cell culture. Oversee cryopreservation and thawing of cell lines. Transfect cells to conduct protein and antibody purification. Produce and characterize viral stocks.

• Present protocols and data generated at weekly virology meetings as required.

• Responsible for assessing and maintaining laboratory supplies in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories. Will assess supplies and ensure supplies are ordered or will order supplies using GFEBS and/or DMLSS ordering system.

• 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. May be required to present work at approximately one Scientific Meeting per year which may require CONUS or OCONUS travel.

• Responsible for the accountability, management, safeguard, and storage of BSAT, animal tissue samples, and working stock samples.

• Ensure current records are maintained and communicated to the FSAP-registered PI as required.

• Assist with annual conduct of Equipment Inventory Management in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4.

• Provide the TPOC a PI Technical Report NLT the last working day of each month.

• Serve as a BSL-3 and BSL-4 mentor.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with at least five years of related laboratory post-degree experience in biomedical Science, microbiology, or virology.

• Demonstrated experience developing and use of micro physiological systems is required.

• CS-PRP enrollment is required and will be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.

• BPRP enrollment is required and will be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.

Estimated Salary/Wage

USD $75,000.00/Yr. Up to USD $90,000.00/Yr.

Chenega Corporation and family of companies is an EOE.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Native preference under PL 93-638.

We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program