Lead Biologist

Overview

ORAU has a job opportunity for a Biologist.  This position will support of the overall functions of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation (LIR). The position is contingent on award of an upcoming contract with NIAID Professional, Scientific and Technical Support Services. Salary for positions will be determined based on education and experience. Relocation support is not available for this position.

ORAU has been providing scientific and technical talent staffing solutions and designing, managing, and evaluating jobs and internships for more than 70 years. ORAU assists in connecting the best and most diverse group of students, recent graduates, faculty and professionals with world-class fellowships, internships and job opportunities, whether in national laboratories, research institutions, federal government offices or private sector R&D departments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and/or isolate primary cells using fluorescent-activated or magnetic-activated cell sorting from specimens collected from individuals, non-human primates, and other small animals.• Execute cultures of primary cells and cell lines with impeccable aseptic techniques and adherence to safety protocols.• Maintain cell cultures (e.g., MS40L, IL2t, B95-8 cells), and perform virus amplification, harvest, and titration.• Conduct blood processing and prepare serum, plasma, and PBMCs for testing as needed.• Conduct projects independently by designing, executing, and optimizing assays as needed, and analyzing data with minimal supervision according to Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures, including but not limited to the following procedures: ELISA, ELISpot, plaque and focus reduction neutralization tests [PRNT, FRNT], luminescence-based assays, flow cytometry and immunostain, immunoprecipitations and other biomarker detection assays.• Perform molecular biology procedures including but not limited to primer design, DNA and RNA extraction and purification, PCR, RT-PCR, RACE, sample preparation for next-generationsequencing, molecular cloning, Western blots, gel electrophoresis, transfections, bacterial transformations, related to the amplification of immunoglobulin genes and production of monoclonal antibodies.• Use large liquid handling automation systems and perform high-throughput screenings (HTS) workflows using various formats, including 384-well plates, and platforms.• Provide professional expertise in developing, revising, optimizing, and validating Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Protocols for tissue/cell cultures, functional assays, and molecular biology techniques, HTS workflows, including but not limited to the techniques mentioned above.• Produce, purify, quantify, and validate stocks of in-house made reagents, including proteins, antibodies from EBV-transformed LCLs and transiently transfected cell lines, and viruses (BSL2). Produce, biotinylate and fluorescent tagging of test proteins (e.g., tetramerization of biotinylated proteins using fluorescent streptavidin).• Prepare culture media, reagents, and solutions according to specifications.• Apply Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles to characterize test articles, analyze specimens, and maintain detailed records of assays and data.• Assist with laboratory management, including assistance with the initial setup of the laboratory and subsequent management: order supplies and equipment; maintain and troubleshoot equipment (includes automated liquid handling systems, multimode readers, microscopes, plate washers, thermal cycler, biosafety cabinets and PCR hoods); serve as the primary emergency point-of-contact for storage equipment failures; maintain supply stocks and sample inventories; receive, organize, and distribute specimens; document shipments; assist PI with regulatory documentation.• Demonstrate adherence to laboratory standard operating techniques and safety procedures, • Communicate with investigators, staff, trainees, and external contacts, i.e., sponsors, vendors, and other members of the scientific community by contributing to manuscript writing, preparation and delivery of posters and oral presentations of scientific work.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in immunology, biology, chemistry or a related field. • Minimum of four years of laboratory experience in the technical areas described above.• Demonstrated skills in PCR. Experience with immunoglobulin gene amplification protocols and complex PCR protocols strongly preferred.• Demonstrated proficiency in culturing primary cells and HTS strongly preferred.• Familiarity with operating and developing methods for automated liquid handling systems preferred.• Demonstrated ability in conducting high-quality experiments, including dexterity in pipetting and skillfulness in aseptic techniques.• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), statistical and scientific graphing programs (e.g., GraphPad Prism), accurate data entry in databases, and report generation.• Concise, clear and professional verbal and written communication.• Demonstrated skills in organization, problem solving, resourcefulness and flexibility.• Must be able to work effectively in both independently led and highly collaborative projects.