Research Associate - Influenza Immunology; VICD

Program Description

The Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) has a primary mission to provide scientific leadership and laboratory infrastructure to study immune responses to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and other cancer preventive strategies in the context of preclinical and clinical studies. The VICD is also engaged in developing vaccines with durable protection for seasonal influenza virus, leading the development of immunoassays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against the virus and vaccine.

VICD is recruiting for a Research Associate I to perform laboratory activities, including sample management, reagent preparation, conducting testing and troubleshooting, analyzing data, supply ordering, and other related activities. The candidate will play a key role in shaping new scientific directions within a mission‑driven environment that integrates assay development, translational research, and clinical evaluation of new preventive strategies.

• Responsible for sample management and inventory
• Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infections and vaccines
• Plan experiments and conduct testing of large numbers of samples from clinical studies
• Independently design and implement protocols, and troubleshoot assays and experiments independently
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data, and maintain databases
• Responsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment and inventories
• Prepare reports, present data and participate in report and proposal preparation
• Contribute or write SOPs or protocols in Master Control
• Utilize Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for laboratory operation
• Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques
• Other duties as assigned

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university or four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience.
• Knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology.
• Demonstrated experience in cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus‑like particles, western blot, ELISA, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCR.
• Familiarity with LIMS and Master Control (or other electronic documentation systems).
• Experience in or familiarity with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) laboratory environments.
• Demonstrated understanding of Good Documentation Practices in the laboratory.
• Excellent record‑keeping and organization skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in development, validation, and implementation of immunological assays, including ELISA and antibody‑based assays.
• Experience handling large data sets and using statistical or other software tools.
• Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA.
• Experience using robotics and electronic documentation systems and LIMS.

• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Salary range: $58,200.00 – $83,353.00 USD. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.