Bacterial Immunology Lead Scientist

Overview

The purpose of this procurement is to ensure the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases’ (USAMRIID) Foundational Sciences Directorate, Core Support Directorate, and the offices of the Commander’s Special Staff are provided the necessary scientific and technical Contractor support required to accomplish their missions.

The Bacterial Immunology Lead Scientist will drive research initiatives in bacterial immunology, contributing to the development of vaccines and therapeutics targeting high-priority biological threat agents. This position requires advanced knowledge of immune responses to bacterial pathogens, leadership in laboratory research, and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and collaborations.

Hours of Operation: The core hours of operation are generally Monday through Friday, 0900 to 1500, daily except for U.S. Federal holidays. Workers typically work eight hours per day, 40 hours per week. All employees are expected to be available during core hours. Based on mission needs, extended work hours may be required/needed, which can include early or extended work week and weekend hours outside and/or in addition to the typical 40 hours per week. Based on mission needs, Federal holiday hours may be required/needed.

Place of Performance: Fort Detrick, MD

Pay: Between $100,000/year - $150,000/year

Benefits: Vested vacation, sick leave, holiday leave, Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Short Term Disability

Optional Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(K) matching with employee participation in 401(K) plan

*Position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities

The Contractors shall serve as a Lead Scientist and shall conduct basic and applied research on specified bacterial threats, in support of the BD and infectious disease program.  The lead scientist shall work in BSL-3 laboratories and thus shall hold and maintain BPRP status, IAW the provisions in this contract and applicable regulations. 

• Present 2 research findings/presentations at lab meetings, attend 23 lab meetings; and attend 2 scientific meetings or symposia per year, which may require CONUS or OCONUS travel as needed.
• Prepare supporting author scientific papers for publication.
• Attend 12 division meetings per year and give 1 presentation.
• Complete 4 quarterly reports and 1 annual progress reports for DTRA.
• Prepare one 1st author manuscript for publication per year.
• Prepare supporting author scientific papers for publication.
• Use computer to analyze data, prepare graphs, compute statistics, and write lab notes and reports.
• Conduct animal experiments to better understand bacterial pathogenesis and the host immune response and design vaccines and therapeutics.
• Perform approximately 10 ELIspot assays per year.
• Perform approximately 20 Luminex/Magpix assays per year.
• Run approximately 500 ELISAs per year.
• Plan and assist in approximately 10 animal experiments per year.
• Analyze approximately 200 animal immune profiles per year.
• Prepare BSL-2 and BSL-3 labs for Safety, Bio-surety and CDC inspections 4-times per year.
• Assist in 3 animal protocols conducted by other investigators.
• Complete up to 50 bacterial opsonization assays to evaluate experimental vaccines.
• Complete up to 500 flowcytometric assays.
• Conduct Equipment Inventory Management twice a year in BSL-2 and BSL-3.
• Perform monthly Laboratory Management to include safety functions and chemical inventory.
• Provide 1 Immunological Scientific Support monthly report by the last working day of the month.  Report would include materials and methods, data and data analysis and should be updated monthly.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Expertise in bacterial pathogenesis and host immune response
• Proficiency in scientific writing and presentation
• Strong leadership and project management skills
• Shall be knowledgeable in a relevant field of life sciences and have desired experience working in a research laboratory.
• Shall have demonstrated their subject matter expertise in several areas, and their ability to conduct independent research through publication of several technical reports and/or peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrates experience managing a research laboratory and a small cadre of technicians.
• Possesses good written and oral communication skills.

• Master’s degree in immunology, microbiology, or related field with 4 years of experience
• Minimum 6 years of relevant laboratory and leadership experience in immunology or infectious disease research
• Experience with flow cytometry, ELISA, and in vivo models
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance eligibility, with no access to classified information, is required
• Enroll in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP), if required.

• ACTIVE SECRET is preferred
• Ph.D. in immunology or a related biomedical field.

CORNERSTONE SERVICES

Cornerstone Services is a premier provider of healthcare workers to various military treatment facilities across the United States. With a corporate office in Honolulu, Hawaii and recruiting office in San Antonio, Texas we specialize in providing skilled, trained and highly successful healthcare workers, including RNs, CRNAs, Physicians, LPN/LVN, Licensed Social Workers, and many more. We have a strong focus on providing our government customers with quality and superior service. Cornerstone Services is an equal opportunity employer and Minorities, Females, Veterans, and Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. For further information, please click the link below to view the EEO Is The Law poster. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Only qualified individuals who are being considered will be contacted for an interview.

Salary : $100,000 - $150,000