Cell and Systems Biology Staff Scientist

Cell and Systems Biology Staff Scientist

Work Location: Fort Detrick, MD

Eagle Health is seeking a Cell and Systems Biology Staff Scientist to join our team in Fort Detrick, MD.

Core Duties:

• Conduct basic and systems biology research on current and emerging threats at BSL-2 and coordinate efforts with staff to evaluate BSL-3 and BSL-4 pathogens, in support of the BD and infectious disease program for the Therapeutics Discovery (TD) Branch
• Directly perform experimental research and provide support in a range of biochemical, cell biological, immunological, systems biology, and standardization of assays towards therapeutics development
• Generate various reporter based functional assays and evaluate pathogens as well as small molecule library using the reporter assay
• Use multi-array technologies such as Opera high-content imaging, flow cytometry, Real time PCR, cytokine assays using Meso Scale Discovery’s (MSD), and biochemical assays (Immunoprecipitation/Western blot) to further characterize the mechanism of action of the therapeutics
• Support analysis of high throughput data using Spotfire and Genedata
• Participate in characterization of suitable lead compound for broad spectrum use against multiple bio-threat agents
• Conduct research directed towards developing an integrated multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) approach to design and test various pathogens in vitro and/or in vivo, carry out analysis of large datasets using data mining tools such as Ingenuity, Nextbio, Metascape, Cytoscape, and use the data set to extract key features, regulatory networks and identify host correlates related to infectious disease. This information shall guide the therapeutic discovery project
• Perform various assays including functional genomic screens and proteomic studies to identify novel host factors that modulate the innate immune signaling pathways to bacterial biothreat pathogens such as B. anthracis, Burkholderia mallei, and B. pseudomallei and viral pathogens such as filoviruses and alphaviruses
• Maintain an orderly laboratory environment in compliance with regulations
• Coordinate ordering of supplies to support research efforts with division staff
• Assist in training new personnel including students and other technicians and mentoring junior scientists
• Communicate experimental data, laboratory or other work-related issues to the appropriate POC
• Communicate with vendors for technical support and troubleshooting laboratory equipment within their assigned space
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports and standard operating procedures
• Write manuscripts and if required, is expected to present research findings at one scientific conference per year and will present results in written and oral format publicly and internally
• Prepare monthly TDC Cell and Systems Biology progress report
• Present research findings/presentations at monthly lab meetings and attend scientific discussion weekly meetings
• In collaboration with USAMRIID leadership, author or coauthor research proposals, solicitations, and other vehicles to solicit financial support to meet USAMRIID mission/portfolio objectives, to include assisting to answer service calls from government sponsors (e.g., Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA))
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts and may be expected to present research findings at two scientific conferences per year, and will present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested

Requirements:

• At least three (3) years of experience in the field of Innate Immunology with a special emphasis on using systems biology to study host-pathogen interactors and carrying out analysis of large omic datasets
• Must be a U.S. citizen with a valid U.S. passport
• Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986