Senior Scientist- Advanced Bioeffects Research

** Worker Type*
* Regular

** Job Description*
* AV has an opportunity for a Senior Scientist within the Health and Performance Technologies Division. This in an onsite position supporting the Directed Energy Bioeffects Division of the 711th Human Performance Wing, located at Joint Base San Antonio.  This position will lead and execute research programs utilizing advanced human-relevant cellular models to improve understanding of human bioeffects from high energy laser and nuclear flash exposure.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, experimental execution, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a fast-paced research environment.  They will be responsible for working alongside government research partners to plan and execute advanced biological experiments aimed at understanding the bioeffects of laser and flash injury, and analyze and report these findings. The successful candidate will have experience performing various assays, such as next-generation sequencing library preparation, microscopy, cytokine/inflammatory analysis, and other cellular assays.

The incumbent will be experienced in project planning, data analysis and assimilating results into technical reports and presentations. The successful candidate will be an independent self-starter, have excellent organizational and time management skills, demonstrable written and oral communication skills, and thrive in a collaborative, team-based, mission-oriented environment.

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* Key responsibilities include:

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* + Lead, execute, and analyze biological experiments utilizing cellular models and complex exposure systems. Specific experience with ocular models is highly preferred.

+ Characterize and assess laser bioeffects using sophisticated assays and study plans to measure morphology, cell viability, barrier function, tissue damage, inflammatory effects and metabolic activity, as well as other cellular functions.

+ Maintenance, expansion, and experimental manipulation of mammalian tissue culture systems (e.g., iPSCs, primary cells, immortalized cell lines, organoids) using aseptic techniques.

+ Contribute to development of next-generation models to further understanding of laser/flash injury

+ Generate high-quality, reproducible datasets and maintain detailed experimental documentation.

+ Contribute to experimental design, protocol development, technical reports, presentations, and scientific publications.

+ Coordinate and collaborate with internal teams, external collaborators, and government scientists to ensure timely delivery of research products.

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* Qualifications:

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* + Ph.D. in a biological discipline, such as Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, or Immunology. 3+ years of experience in characterizing cellular models, in particular ocular and dermal models, is highly desired.

+ A strong background in biological systems, with hands-on experience in mammalian cellular and microbial culture, and advanced laboratory techniques (flow cytometry, microscopy, etc.). Previous experience with cellular co-cultures, microphysiological systems and related advanced models is highly desired.

+ Data analysis skills, with proven ability to process and interpret complex data. Biostatistics experience is desired.

+ The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced team-based environment.

** ITAR Requirement:*
* _This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR.  A "U.S. person" according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee.

See 22 CFR § 120.15._   _Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements._

** Benefits**…