OverviewChenega Services and Federal Solutions, LLC., a
Chenega Professional Services' company, is looking for a
Molecular Biology Senior Scientist to serve as the senior scientific lead for high-throughput screening, high-content imaging, and high-resolution imaging core capabilities supporting medical countermeasure discovery and development programs at USAMRIID. The position supports advanced screening of molecular libraries against biothreat pathogens and provides expertise in automated imaging systems, microscopy platforms, high-throughput screening technologies, data analytics, bioinformatics, and computational biology. The incumbent collaborates with investigators to develop innovative assay platforms, evaluates emerging technologies, leads data analysis efforts, supports development of research proposals and external collaborations, and provides technical leadership supporting biodefense and infectious disease research programs.
Responsibilities- Serve as Senior Scientist for the High content imaging capability at USAMRIID. Support the In Vitro Screening Core pipeline for testing molecular libraries (small molecule, peptide, nucleic acids) for efficacy against biothreat pathogens. Responsible for data collection, analysis and evaluation. Ensure that data meets rigorous standards of quality control.
- Be responsible for providing technical training to Institute personnel on use of automated equipment, as well as day to day maintenance of high-resolution microscopes and operation of high-content imaging instruments that support the high throughput in vitro screening efforts.
- Collaborate with Institute PIs on developing assay protocols to assist in their research efforts. Apply their knowledge and experience using existing platforms (i.e. Opera High Content Imager, plate readers, high-resolution Leica STED platforms and 3D bioprinter) as well as identify new platforms to advance MCM discovery, evaluation, and development.
- Support the In Vitro Screening Core pipeline for testing large molecular libraries (small molecule, peptide, nucleic acids, antibodies) for efficacy against biothreat pathogens. Responsible for sample logistics, data collection, quantitative analysis of imaging and/or biochemical HTS data and integration of data sets from various platforms using software such as Genedata, Spotfire and Acapella. Ensure that data meets rigorous standards of quality control.
- Apply expert knowledge in high throughput screening to evaluate data analysis software applications for integration into the testing platforms. Responsible for ensuring that data is stored, archived and maintained in appropriate databases and USAMRIID IT systems.
- 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).
- Shall identify, foster, and assist in the management of external collaborations with other Government agencies, non-profits, academic, and private-sector research organizations and companies. This includes assisting in interactions with partner agencies to increase access to molecular libraries of interest.
- As the Senior Scientist for the High resolution and high-content high-throughput imaging capability, is expected to present work at 1-2 Scientific Meetings per year. Also, this effort may require travel to support collaborative efforts with pharmaceutical, academic, and external partners. This requirement is anticipated to comprise 2 trips per year.
- Prepare and provide TPOC a Senior Scientist Technical Report NLT the last working day of each month.
- Present research findings/presentations at monthly lab meetings and attend scientific discussion weekly meetings.
- Assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts. May be expected to present research findings at two scientific conference per year. Present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience consistent with a Scientist 3 labor category supporting advanced scientific programs and technical leadership responsibilities.
- Experience supporting high-throughput screening, high-content imaging, microscopy, or molecular discovery programs.
- Experience working with advanced imaging systems, automated screening technologies, and analytical instrumentation.
- Experience designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating biological assays and scientific workflows.
- Experience performing quantitative biological data analysis and interpretation.
- Experience utilizing computational analysis tools and programming languages such as R, Python, Perl, or related scientific computing applications.
- Experience supporting multidisciplinary scientific research initiatives and collaborative programs.
- Experience preparing technical reports, scientific manuscripts, proposals, and research documentation.
- Experience presenting scientific findings to technical, scientific, and sponsor audiences.
- Successfully pass background and drug screening
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting biodefense, infectious disease, molecular screening, or medical countermeasure development programs.
- Experience operating Opera High Content Imaging Systems, Leica STED platforms, 3D bioprinters, plate readers, or comparable scientific instrumentation.
- Experience supporting large-scale molecular library screening activities.
- Experience utilizing Genedata, Spotfire, Acapella, or comparable scientific analytics platforms.
- Experience leading scientific core facilities or shared research capabilities.
- Experience supporting proposal development, scientific solicitations, and sponsor-funded research opportunities.
- Experience establishing and managing external collaborations involving government, academic, nonprofit, or industry partners.
- Experience presenting research findings at national or international scientific conferences.
- Experience supporting technology evaluations and scientific capability development programs.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, high-throughput screening, and medical countermeasure discovery.
- Knowledge of automated screening systems, high-content imaging, high-resolution microscopy, and imaging analytics methodologies.
- Knowledge of assay development, biological screening technologies, and therapeutic evaluation methodologies.
- Knowledge of computational biology, bioinformatics, quantitative data analysis, and scientific programming techniques.
- Proficiency using R, Python, Perl, and related scientific computing tools.
- Knowledge of data integration, database management, data quality controls, and scientific information management practices.
- Ability to lead scientific core capabilities supporting multidisciplinary research programs.
- Ability to evaluate emerging scientific technologies and implement innovative research solutions.
- Ability to design, manage, analyze, and interpret complex scientific studies and large data sets.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across scientific disciplines and organizational boundaries.
- Ability to prepare scientific reports, proposals, presentations, manuscripts, and technical documentation.
- Ability to train and mentor technical and scientific personnel on advanced scientific instrumentation and methodologies.
- Strong analytical, technical writing, organizational, leadership, communication, and scientific problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary scientific research teams.
