Automation and Assay Research Scientist

Eagle Health is seeking an Automation and Assay Research Scientist to join our team in Fort Detrick, MD.

Core Duties:

• Provide Robotic Liquid Handling Automation support for research efforts of the Therapeutics Development Center (TDC) in BSL-2 environments, with potential support in BSL-3 and BSL-4 environments, requiring enrollment in the Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP).
• Conduct basic and applied research on current and emerging threats in support of the BD and infectious disease program.
• Aid in the execution of scientific studies, including throughput screening assays, enzymatic assays, data collection/analysis, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Assist in the development, execution, and evaluation of high-throughput in vitro screening projects for antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-toxin therapeutic areas, and assist in developing novel assays/methods.
• Assist in screening molecular compound libraries for therapeutic efficacy to support Medical Countermeasures (MCM) development.
• Perform compound treatment to evaluate therapeutic small molecules for enzymatic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitoxin activity, including in vitro assays such as enzymatic assays, cell-based phenotypic and reporter assays, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and plaque assays.
• Write new workflows associated with automation instruments in support of new high-throughput screening assays.
• Assist in data analysis using Spotfire and Genedata.
• Perform basic molecular biology techniques to support the creation of novel cell or enzymatic-based assays for MCM evaluation.
• Assist in preparing technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to research efforts, and present findings at scientific conferences and meetings.
• Assess and maintain all robotic instruments and associated laboratory supplies, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidance.
• Prepare and provide a Therapeutic Screening Scientific Research Technical progress report to the technical point of contact by the last day of each month.
• Present research findings at monthly lab meetings and attend weekly scientific discussions.
• Maintain BPRP enrollment in accordance with contract provisions and applicable regulations.

Travel Requirements: 0 - 10%

Job Requirements:

• Proficient in using automated liquid handling systems such as Beckman Biomek, Perkin Elmer Janus, Viaflo, Viafill, Multi-drop Combi, and HP dispensers.
• Familiarity with handling therapeutic small molecules and compound management.
• Experience in setting up in vitro enzymatic assays.
• 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.