OverviewChenega Services and Federal Solutions, LLC., a
Chenega Professional Services' company, is looking for a
Diagnostics Research Scientist to support the Diagnostic Systems Division through development of innovative diagnostic technologies and biomarker-based detection capabilities for current and emerging biological threats. The position conducts basic and applied research supporting biodefense and infectious disease programs and provides expertise in diagnostic assay development, biomarker characterization, small-molecule toxin research, organoid and organ-on-chip systems, immune response characterization, and host-pathogen interaction studies. The incumbent develops novel research approaches, performs advanced molecular and immunological analyses, evaluates large biological datasets, supports funding initiatives, mentors laboratory personnel, and contributes to research programs operating in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 environments.
Responsibilities- Design novel protocols and technologies to build DSD capabilities that are based on pathogen and/or host biomarker characterization, immune response characterization to understand host immune response post infection or MCM application, small molecule toxin research to include understanding host biomarker responses post exposure, toxicity, and organoid models, as well as other diagnostics relevant technologies. This task includes the development, performance, and scientific oversight of laboratory experiments according to responsible research practices, good research conduct, and the scientific method, to support DSD. Some pathogens may require processing in BSL-3 or BSL-4 containment.
- Evaluate large datasets from biomarker characterization efforts to include building bioinformatic pipelines for data processing and analysis using open-source programming languages (R, Python, etc) as well as visualization of large datasets for reports and presentations.
- Develop and perform molecular and immunological assays for the detection of pathogen and host biomarkers to include (but not limited to) quantitative real-time PCR and antibody-based detection methods.
- Communicate experimental data, laboratory findings, or other work-related issues to the appropriate POC. Shall communicate with vendors for technical support and troubleshooting laboratory equipment with assigned space.
- Shall oversee the technical work of supporting contractor personnel assigned to the research programs. Specifically, to train and ensure SOPs, sample and analytical workflows are followed, tracked, and documented by supporting personnel.
- Shall serve as BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 mentor as required.
- Assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures and manuscripts. Expected to present research findings at a minimum of one scientific conference per year, if required, which may require CONUS and/or OCONUS travel. Present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as required.
- Shall, in collaboration with USAMRIID leadership, author or coauthor research proposals, solicitations, and other vehicles to solicit financial support to meet USAMRIID mission/portfolio objectives. This includes assisting to answer service calls from Government sponsors (e.g. DTRA) in collaboration with Government leadership.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Biotechnology, Toxicology, or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience consistent with a Scientist 2 labor category supporting independent scientific research and technical leadership responsibilities.
- Experience conducting biomarker characterization, diagnostic assay development, or translational research activities.
- Experience developing, executing, analyzing, and reporting scientific studies.
- Experience supporting molecular and immunological assay development.
- Experience utilizing data analytics, bioinformatics tools, and programming languages such as R and Python.
- Experience developing scientific reports, manuscripts, presentations, and technical documentation.
- Experience mentoring or overseeing technical personnel and laboratory workflows.
- Ability to work within BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory environments.
- Ability to obtain and maintain BPRP enrollment.
- Successfully pass background and drug screening
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting biodefense, infectious disease, diagnostics, biomarker discovery, or medical countermeasure research programs.
- Experience developing host-response or pathogen-specific diagnostic technologies.
- Experience analyzing large-scale biological datasets using bioinformatics workflows.
- Experience developing data visualization products and analytical reports.
- Experience supporting organoid, organ-on-chip, or advanced cellular modeling platforms.
- Experience developing molecular and immunological assays, including qPCR and antibody-based methods.
- Experience supporting research involving BSL-3 and BSL-4 pathogens.
- Experience authoring manuscripts, technical reports, grant proposals, and scientific funding submissions.
- Experience presenting research findings at national or international scientific conferences.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of diagnostic assay development, biomarker discovery, and translational research methodologies.
- Knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, infectious disease research, and host-pathogen interactions.
- Knowledge of bioinformatics, computational biology, data analysis, and scientific programming techniques.
- Knowledge of R, Python, and related data analysis platforms.
- Knowledge of quantitative PCR, antibody detection systems, and molecular diagnostic technologies.
- Knowledge of organoid systems, organ-on-chip technologies, and advanced cellular modeling approaches.
- Knowledge of BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory operations and biosafety requirements.
- Ability to independently design, execute, analyze, and report complex scientific studies.
- Ability to build analytical workflows and bioinformatics pipelines supporting diagnostic research.
- Ability to mentor laboratory personnel and oversee technical workflow execution.
- Ability to prepare scientific reports, manuscripts, proposals, SOPs, and technical presentations.
- Ability to communicate complex scientific findings in written and oral formats.
- Strong analytical, technical writing, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary scientific research teams.
