Research Associate Supervisor

Program Description

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

VICD seeks a Research Associate Supervisor to conduct laboratory testing and onsite activities related to high‑throughput immunogenicity testing of vaccines in clinical trials under Good Clinical Laboratory Practices. The role involves generating standardized reagent sets, developing assays for antibody responses, and overseeing serology projects.

• Perform tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus‑like particles.
• Oversee serology projects from conception to execution.
• Manage sample collection and inventory.
• Optimize and validate procedures for assessing immune responses to infection and vaccines.
• Plan experiments and lead testing of large numbers of clinical study samples.
• Design, implement, and troubleshoot protocols and assays independently.
• Evaluate, analyze, and compile data; maintain databases.
• Perform routine QC/QA procedures, order supplies, and maintain equipment and inventories.
• Prepare reports, present data, and contribute to report and proposal preparation.
• Stay current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques.
• May supervise laboratory personnel.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university or four (4) years of relevant experience; foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience, including at least one (1) year in a leadership/managerial capacity.
• Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology.
• Experience with cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, western blot, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCR.
• Current knowledge of emerging scientific literature and immune profiling technologies.
• Ability to ensure assay rigor, reproducibility, and compliance with GCLP/GLP standards where applicable.
• Flexibility to adopt new techniques and troubleshoot effectively.
• Independent, high‑quality, consistent results delivery in a timely fashion.
• Prioritization of multiple projects and meeting timelines.
• Experience managing and analyzing large data sets; ability to interpret and communicate complex scientific data.
• Excellent record‑keeping and organizational skills.
• Exceptional critical thinking and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Familiar with LIMS and Master Control or other electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.

• Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, or related fields.
• Experience managing staff and laboratory operations.
• Experience in immune assay development and validation under GCLP or GLP environments.
• Experience with large data sets, statistics, and software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA.
• Experience using robotics and troubleshooting.
• Experience with electronic documentation systems and LIMS.

• Position involves exposure to infectious materials; requires 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 qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Pay range: 77,600. USD. Benefits are included at the time of admission.