Drug Discovery Research Technician

Kelly Government Solutions is a strategic supplier and business partner to the federal government and its key suppliers. Kelly Government Solutions offers scientists the opportunity to support basic and applied research projects designed to protect our military and nation from current and emerging biological threat agents. We are seeking Drug Discovery Research Technicians to provide laboratory support in the molecular biology division at a Department of Defense laboratory in Frederick, MD. ***Position contingent upon contract award.***

This is a long-term contract position which offers:

- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit package

- Optional health, vision, and dental plans

- Paid leave as well as 11 paid federal holidays and 401K plan.

- Professional development program for continuing job-related education/training

KEY TASKS

(1) Assist in the planning, development, execution and evaluation of high throughput

screening projects for the antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-toxin therapeutic areas and assist with basic cell culture and development of novel assays/methods

(2) Assist in screening of molecular compound libraries for therapeutic efficacy to support medical countermeasure development.

(3) Perform both in vitro and in vivo microbiological experiments and use molecular biology techniques to evaluate therapeutic compounds for antibacterial/antiviral/antitoxin activity. In vitro assays include enzymatic assays, cell-based phenotypic and reporter assays, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and plaque assays.

(4) Support animal studies (mouse, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.) as needed including manipulations, operations, assisting with inoculations, collecting specimens for processing, and analyzing specimens. Analysis may include development and conduct of immunological procedures including ELISA, Western blot, and Meso Scale Discovery based assays.

(5) Responsible for assessing and maintaining laboratory supplies in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories. Ensure supply orders are coordinated with Division resources and all laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all regulatory guidance. Participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning to reduce sources of contamination.

(6) Maintain laboratory records documenting sample processing, protocol design and usage, and data management that meet current requirements and ensure continuity and collective sharing of resources

(7) Assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts. Present research findings in both written and oral formats and at 1-2 scientific conferences per year

(8) Cross-train to provide laboratory technical support to other areas when needed. Assist in training new personnel such as students and other technicians

KEY REQUIREMENTS

(1) Bachelor or master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline

(2) Minimum of 5 years of laboratory research experience with a focus on cell and molecular biology techniques such as cell culture, PCR, sequencing, and assay design.

(3) Must be comfortable working with animal models for studies and handling bacterial and viral pathogens for in vitro and in vivo studies

(4) Willing and able to work in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 biocontainment labs, which requires eligibility and enrollment in the Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP) and the Controlled Substance Personnel Reliability Program (CS-PRP)

(5) US citizenship as per contract requirements to pass background check and obtain required security clearance