Scientist, Research Scientist, Clinical Research

** Position Objective:
** Provide services as a Scientist in support of the overall functions of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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* Duties and Responsibilities:

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* + Supports the planning and execution of research experiments in the context of the laboratory's overall research program.

+ Support the planning and execution of laboratory activities associated with the development, characterization, and distribution of investigational vaccine and biotherapeutic candidates.

+ Supports laboratory staff on research projects and techniques.

+ Coordinate with VPP scientific staff to obtain purified bulk vaccine candidates, biological reagents, and research materials required for laboratory studies.

+ Evaluate bulk material documentation, labeling accuracy, and lot traceability to ensure compliance with program standards and regulatory requirements.

+ Develop aliquoting strategies for biological materials in collaboration with the Scientific Operations Manager (SOM) and scientific leadership to support research distribution and long-term storage strategies.

+ Perform aseptic processing and aliquoting of biological products using biological safety cabinets and sterile techniques to maintain product integrity.

+ Assess appropriate storage conditions for biological materials and ensure proper storage, tracking, and lifecycle management within laboratory inventory systems.

+ Maintain detailed documentation of sample preparation, storage, and distribution to support scientific reproducibility and regulatory traceability.

+ Maintains laboratory equipment and the training of others in their use.

+ Maintain laboratory inventory systems supporting investigational vaccine and biotherapeutic materials.

+ Perform inventory assessments and trend analyses to support forecasting of laboratory supply needs and ensure availability of materials required for ongoing and projected research studies.

+ Assists in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies.

+ Provide scientific and operational support for procurement of commercially available goods (CAG) required for laboratory workflows.

+ Conduct routine verification of laboratory inventory holdings and communicate findings to the Scientific Operations Manager to support efficient research operations.

+ Maintain oversight of laboratory equipment inventories and coordinate equipment service, maintenance, and calibration activities to ensure protection of government property and staff safety.

+ Evaluates, analyzes and interprets research data, communicates results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

+ Coordinate preparation and shipment of investigational biological materials to collaborating research institutions in accordance with NIH, NIAID, IATA, and USDOT regulations.

+ Review and prepare shipping documentation ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and collaborative research agreements.

+ Maintain current certifications and regulatory training related to biological materials transport, biosafety procedures, hazardous materials handling, and laboratory compliance requirements.

+ Provide guidance to laboratory staff on proper packaging, documentation, and shipment procedures for biological research materials.

+ Coordinates with junior staff to modify research protocols.

+ As assigned by the SOM, maintain laboratory infrastructure and scientific equipment necessary to support vaccine development and production activities. 4

+ Provide technical guidance and training to laboratory personnel regarding proper handling of biological materials, inventory procedures, and laboratory equipment usage. 5

+ Contribute to laboratory safety programs including biological and chemical waste management, environmental health compliance, and biosafety procedures.

+ Participate in property management and laboratory asset tracking to maintain accurate records of scientific equipment and laboratory resources.

+ Serve as a backup emergency responder for VPP REES-monitored equipment systems and assist with resolution of equipment alarms impacting laboratory operations.

+ Presents research at national scientific meetings and symposia.

+ When required write SOPs

+ Provides interpretation of results, guidance, and scientific support to the management team.

+ Analyze operational laboratory data related to material usage, inventory levels, and distribution activities to support program decision making.
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+ Prepare technical reports summarizing laboratory activities, inventory analyses, and operational performance metrics. 2

+ Provide written documentation and technical summaries to the Scientific Operations Manager, Task Leader 3

+ Contribute to development of operational procedures, documentation updates, and continuous improvement initiatives supporting laboratory research activities.

+ Prepare monthly status reports detailing activities performed, operational issues encountered, corrective actions…