ORAU has a contingent job opportunity for the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)  which is to protect and advance public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of biological products, such as vaccines and blood products. CBER’s Office of Vaccines Research and Review (OVRR), Division of Viral Products (DVP), is seeking a Scientist Level I to perform collaborative, mission-critical, research with a DVP Principal Investigator that aims at identifying mechanisms for enhancing the immunogenicity and effectiveness of influenza virus vaccines. The work requires laboratory and investigative procedures using techniques such as tissue culture, molecular cloning, virus rescue, virus titration, standard and real time PCR, and Sanger and next generation sequencing. This position is essential to the daily operations of the laboratory. Immediate support is required for continuity of operations within the laboratory. The position is contingent on award of an upcoming contract with FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review. Salary for positions will be determined based on education and experience. Relocation support is not available for this position.

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Objective:

The objective of this requisition is to obtain a qualified contractor to support the research program of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review. The project requires one Scientist Level I (PhD, DVM or at the minimum a MS in microbiology, molecular biology, or another relevant science field with at least three years of laboratory experience). To achieve the objective, the candidate scientist will work as a member of the research team.

Tasks:

This contract will provide support to the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Office of Vaccines Research and Review in performing mission-critical research to support vaccine safety and efficacy. The Scientist Level I will conduct laboratory studies aimed at comparing modern vaccine approaches to rationally designed vaccine approaches in an effort to support licensure of safe and effective viral vaccines. The candidate is expected to work with a high level of independence.

Responsibilities of the contractor shall include:

1. Independently plan, develop, implement, and manage all experiments and protocols for study in an organized manner
2. Independently execute basic and advanced laboratory procedures such as handling embryonated chicken eggs, cell culture, RNA/DNA extraction and PCR, molecular cloning, virological and serological assays
3. Perform in vivo studies in mouse models involving immunization, collection of test antisera, administration of anesthesia, euthanasia, isolation and culturing of splenocytes
4. Aid in general maintenance of the laboratory by working with other members of staff to replenish used supplies as needed and help to keep the laboratory a safe and clean working environment.
5. Maintain thorough and complete government-owned records of experiments, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and data in hard copy laboratory notebooks, as well as in electronic versions made available to the PI and other individuals in the laboratory
6. Read current literature (journal articles) that pertains to the research being conducted to aid in technique development and experimental design
7. Summarize progress for presentation at internal lab meetings, participate and present results in larger influenza interest group meetings
8. Prepare results and work with the PI to write and edit publications for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals

Requirements:

Education and experience shall be in compliance with the labor category Scientist Level I in the base contract Statement of Work. The project requires one Scientist Level I (PhD, DVM or MS in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or another relevant science field with at least 3 years of laboratory experience).

The candidate should be able to:

1. Independently plan, develop, implement, and manage all experiments and protocols for the study in an organized manner.
2. Independently execute basic and advanced laboratory procedures such as cell culture, RNA/DNA extraction and PCR, molecular cloning, and virological and serological assays.
3. Handle and conduct experiments with small laboratory animals (e.g., mice).
4. Keep abreast of pertinent literature and incorporate appropriate concepts and techniques into research activities and experiments
5. Collect, record, organize, and analyze experimental data.
6. Summarize progress for presentation at Laboratory and Division meetings and at vaccine and/or virology research conferences.
7. Submit results for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (17 )