Virology and Infectious Disease Research Scientist

Virology and Infectious Disease Research Scientist

Precise Systems seeks a Virologist/Infectious Disease Research Scientist to develop methods to detect known, unknown, and emerging infectious human disease pathogens for field deployment. The candidate will also be tasked with characterization and threat assessment of emerging infectious disease pathogens, including viruses. All work is performed on site, in Edgewood, MD.

Duties:

• The candidate must be skilled in cell culture, viral growth, and virological techniques (plaque assays, TCID
  50s, neutralization assays)
• Collaborate with a team to design, test, and deliver rapid, facile methods for identifying DNA and RNA pathogens using untargeted sequencing
• Develop detection methods in the laboratory, optimize and streamline them for field use, troubleshoot processes and equipment, train and prepare for field demonstrations
• Execute standard microbiological methods for cell lysis, DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, DNA/RNA library preparation, and DNA/RNA library sequencing execution
• Utilize Oxford Nanopore MiniION/GridION/PromethION and Illumina MiSeq platforms
• Typical samples could be simple or complex, individual or pooled, and require targeted and untargeted sequencing (amplicon vs meta genome sequencing)
• Samples may be of environmental or human origin and up to BSL3 pathogens of military relevance
• Execute standard microbiological techniques to perform cell lysis for DNA/RNA extractions, nucleic acid purification, DNA/RNA library preparation, and DNA/RNA library sequencing execution utilizing the Oxford Nanopore MinION and/or GridION
• Develop workflows, optimize and streamline for use in field environments, and troubleshoot processes and equipment to train and prepare for field demonstrations.
• The laboratory is well supported, with unique capabilities, and opportunities for publication and presentations.

Required

Education:

• M.S. in Virology, Microbiology, Microbial Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or a related field

Required Experience:

• 5 years' experience in standard microbiological methods for cell lysis, DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, DNA/RNA library preparation, and DNA/RNA library sequencing execution
• Experience and ability to be cleared for work in BSL3 and BSAT spaces.
• Shall demonstrate proficiency in a biological laboratory environment (BSL-3), a willingness to learn new skills and methods, and solid technical communications skills; all requirements for this position.
• Previous experience in BPRP or working with hazardous biological materials is highly preferred.
• Previous experience working in a laboratory environment with hazardous biological or hazardous waste management
• Previous experience supporting research and/or testing of CBRN protection commodities

Desired:

• PhD in Virology, Microbiology, Microbial Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or a related field

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment

• This position may require enrollment in and continued eligibility for the Chemical Personnel Reliability Program/Biological Personnel Reliability Program (CPRP/BPRP), as determined by the customer and in accordance with applicable government regulations, including AR 50-6, AR 190-17, the PRP Guidebook, and customer-specific requirements.
• Candidates selected for this position must be able to meet all applicable PRP qualifying standards, which may include demonstrated emotional and mental stability, trustworthiness, dependability, physical competence, adequate training, and the ability to work in a restrictive and highly controlled environment involving Schedule 1 chemicals, Tier 1 BSAT, NTA, or other controlled materials, as applicable to the position.
• Employment in this role may be contingent upon the candidate's ability to obtain and maintain PRP certification, a favorably adjudicated personnel security investigation, successful completion of required medical evaluations, and compliance with initial and random drug and substance abuse testing requirements. State laws authorizing marijuana use do not alter federal requirements or security adjudicative standards applicable to PRP positions.
• This position may also require participation in occupational health and medical surveillance programs based on customer risk assessments and job-specific exposure requirements. These may include, but are not limited to, initial, 90-day, and annual physicals; respirator clearance and fit testing; hearing testing; heat stress evaluation; PPD/tuberculosis screening; cholinesterase testing; exposure monitoring or surveillance related to asbestos, lead, silica, CARC paint, lasers, animal exposure, or other workplace hazards;
  
  required vaccinations; and use of personal protective equipment.
• Candidates must be willing and able to comply with all customer, occupational health, safety, security, medical, drug testing, training, PPE, and PRP-related requirements as a condition of employment and continued assignment.

Work Environment:

• Shall wear personal…