Molecular Virology Lead Scientist

Title: Molecular Virology Lead Scientist

Location: On site, Frederick, MD

Status: Full Time

Travel: <5%

Salary Range: $75,000-$115,000

Position Summary:

USAMRIID, located at Fort Detrick, Maryland, works closely with other U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) organizations, Department of Defense (DoD), the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health. This includes conducting Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation (RDTE) of medical countermeasure against biological threats and the safety, quality assurance, project management, and core support required for these research activities.

The Virology Division conducts basic and applied research in molecular virology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, arbovirology, viral virulence factor determinations, and viral strain diversity characterizations along with the associated effects on pathogenicity. Studies the natural history of human and animal disease along with disease pathogenesis in animal models to support FDA "animal efficacy rule" licensure requirements, participate in the early development of MCM vaccine, drug, and biologicals, and develops novel viral vaccine vectors and molecular vaccine delivery methods.

The Molecular Virology Lead Scientist will serve as a Research Investigator within the Molecular Virology Branch, primarily assisting with research aimed at the discovery and development of medical countermeasures targeting viruses that pose a threat to the military and require high containment. They will work in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories therefore they must hold and maintain BPRP status. This position is contingent upon contract award.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform research on emerging viruses, in particular viruses in the Bunyavirales Order, in BSL-3 and BSL-4 containment. Research areas include medical countermeasure development, molecular virology, host responses to viral infection, and
• Contribute to the design and conduct of research projects. Will analyze data elucidating complex mechanism of host-viral interaction for viruses of military importance and report findings to TPOC and laboratory team.
• Coordinate and collaborate with scientists within the Division and the Institute on in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo studies to evaluate medical countermeasures against infectious diseases. In vivo small animal studies range up to twenty (20) studies per year. Of these, 7-9 being complex, multiple time point studies requiring subsequent assays to understand host response and viral activity. Ex vivo studies average less than five (5) studies per year using innovative technology. Analyze the data from these studies, report the data to the PI and assist in planning next step
• Contribute to the writing of animal protocols for submission and approval by the Institutional Animal Care and Use
• Support animal studies by administering anesthesia and performing phlebotomy, necropsy and treatment on small animals infected with BSL-3 and BSL-4 viruses. Plot data from these studies, report to the PI, and assist in planning next step
• Independently perform and analyze Nanostring assays. Interpret data based on understanding complex cellular signaling pathways and assist in planning and executing confirmatory
• Independently perform and analyze Luminex-based platform assays. Develop novel assays based on Luminex platform for antigen or antibody
• Perform immunological procedures to characterize antibody responses including, but not limited to, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), Western Blot, flow cytometry, plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and immunohistochemistry (ICH).
• Assist in the preparation of BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 labs for Safety, Bio-surety, CDC, and Department of Army Inspector General inspections at a minimum of 4 times a year. Seek funding from DTRA and other funding agencies in collaboration with the Government and USAMRIID to further the research portfolio of the Division and USAMRIID. Assist in the preparation of grants and proposals, submitting a minimum of three proposals for prospective funding opportunities per year to the institute's portfolio management committee or equivalent for
• Prepare technical reports describing the status of projects to appropriate funding agencies. Frequency of delivery is quarterly or as defined by the reporting requirements of the department, division and funding
• Author manuscripts related to research findings and submit for publication in relevant scientific journals. At least one first author manuscript and 1-2 contributing author manuscript will be submitted each
• Present research findings at least one scientific conference per year, if required, which may require CONUS and/or OCONUS travel. Present results in written and oral format publicly and
• Mentor for labs BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4.

Minimum Requirements:

• Masters degree or higher in virology, immunology, biology or related area. PhD preferred
• 7 years of experience in various immunoassay techniques including ELISA, western blot, flow cytometry, PRNT, and ICH
• Experience sourcing and applying for research funding
• Experience in research design in host-viral interaction
• Experience in animal models
• Experience in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4
• Active BPRP and/or CS-PRP status preferred

Work Environment:

• Laboratory environment

Physical Demands:

• May lift up to 25lbs

Benefits:

KIC offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees including: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401k with Match, Life and ADD Coverage, Short and Long Term Disability, Paid Time Off and Holidays, Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Discount Program, and more!

Apply online at our website: https://kikiktagruk.applicantpool.com/

Disclaimer:

This is not to be an exclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the person in this job. KIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIC considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, family responsibility, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran's status, gender identity, or any other legal protected status.

Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation, may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to KIC Shareholders, and their Descendants.

Successful candidates must adhere to KIC's Drug and Alcohol policy/testing requirements and may be required to pass a background and/or Motor Vehicle Records check.

The salary range for this position is based on several factors, including relevant experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. We aim to provide a fair and equitable salary, that remains competitive within the industry.

Salary : $75,000 - $115,000