Scientist

Overview

We are seeking a Scientist to support the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH), world renowned National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Bethesda, MD. Our NIAID professional, technical, and scientific support personnel are part of a preeminent team focused on positively impacting millions of lives around the world with groundbreaking research. Candidates will work at a prominent and vibrant NIAID worksite to directly support exciting ongoing research activities as a contractor team member. Accelerate your career and apply below to help us make a difference.

CAMRIS International is a dynamic clinical research and international development firm that achieves innovative solutions to health and development challenges through high-quality, cost-effective programs and research management services. We combine our proven systems with today’s most effective, evidence-based best practices. Our core practice areas include: clinical research; vaccine research, microbiology and infectious disease research, development and production; biodefense; global health security; and HIV/AIDS programs. 

Our employees enjoy a collegial environment where individual contributions matter at all levels. At CAMRIS, you will notably improve the lives of people at home and abroad.  

Responsibilities

Position is Full time for Five-month period.

• Monitor and recover anesthetized NHPs and rabbits for procedures, including PET/CT scans.
• Provide critical care and intervention of an anesthetized patient, knowing when there is an issue and how to correct it.
• Administer veterinary drugs and experimental drugs to patients during procedures.
• Perform direct animal care research veterinary research services and adhere to all animal handling protocols and radiation-use monitoring.
• Perform blood draws, catheter placement, intubation, injections, BALs, and other technical needs in NHPs and rabbits.
• Process blood and tissues according to specific needs of multiple experiments.
• Attachment of monitoring probes for respiratory gating, temperature, blood CO2 and oxygen concentration to animals and correct/replicable positioning of animals on the scanner bed.
• Perform maintenance of radioactivity usage and disposal records, understanding and adherence to NIH radiation usage policies/procedures and safety guidelines. Act as authorized user of radiation.
• Manipulate infectious and radioactive NHPs and rabbits in a safe and proficient manner in ABSL Lab environment.
• Clearly communicate any changes in animals’ health status to facility veterinarian and appropriate team members.
• Provide feedback on methods and technical procedures to improve upon, where applicable.
• Assist in analysis of pathology samples both at gross and histologic/microscopic level.
• Perform experiments in the ABSL-3 environment and must follow all safety protocols and regulations when working in the ABSL.
• Maintain records and files of the image analysis and prepare graphics for reports and publication.

Qualifications

• BS degree or higher in veterinary field is required.
• Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) with additional certifications strongly preferred, (RLAT or RVT/LVT as examples).
• 4 or more years of working experience in a lab setting is required.
• Knowledge and prior experience with non-human primates (NHP) in an ABSL-3 setting preferred.
• Prior NHP handling experience required.
• Training in surgery or extensive practice in necropsy procedures and excellent knowledge of primate anatomy.
• Must have experience doing technical manipulations such as placing IV catheters, endotracheal intubation, femoral bleeds, handling, and restraint, BAL’s, anesthesia induction, maintenance and recovery, necropsy or surgery.
• Demonstrates knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
• Demonstrates knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures.
• In-person work in the ABSL-3 and ABSL-2 environment required. Occasional remote work with computer systems allowed, with POC permission.
• Working in an ABSL-3 suite with animal contact.
• Effective and clear communication skills and the ability to work in a high stress environment.
• Good ability to understand and troubleshoot complex equipment.
• Ability to work in a team under supervision in ABSL-3 laboratory environments following SOPs.
• Must be able to pass extensive background check and Public Trust 5 clearance.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by a candidate to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coats, face shields, goggles, and respirators (Disposable Respirator Mask N, P, R –95, 99,100, PAPR) for extended durations.
• Ability to lift and carry less than 25 lbs. Also, have the ability to push and pull up to 45lbs. 
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods while performing laboratory procedures.
• Visual acuity required for reading small measurements, operating digital instruments, and analyzing samples.
• Ability to work individually or closely with others. Occasionally may need to work protracted or irregular hours. 
• Individuals may come in contact with small animals, human blood or other body fluids, corrosive substances, solvents, and select agents such as tuberculosis (TB). 

Please submit your resume online at www.CAMRIS.com. CAMRIS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law.

CAMRIS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for individuals and families, FSAs, HSA, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, legal services, voluntary hospital indemnity, critical illness and accident insurances, EAP, pet insurance, 401(k) with employer match and Roth option, tuition and professional reimbursement, public transportation support in the DMV area, a referral bonus program, vacation with tenure-based increases, PTO, 11 paid holidays, paid bonding leave, and paid supplemental short-term disability.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Public Trust-level background check, a requirement for this position under an active federal contract. The background check process may include, but is not limited to the following: (1) contacting your professional references; (2) verification of previous employment, education and credentials; (3) a criminal background check; (4) use/abuse of federally-controlled substances; and (5) a department of motor vehicle check. Candidates must be prepared to fully-complete any required background check questionnaire during initial onboarding.