OverviewChenega Services and Federal Solutions, LLC., a
Chenega Professional Services' company, is looking for a
Systems Biology Staff Scientist tosupport the Systems Biology Branch within the Center for Genome Sciences. The position supports advanced systems biology research focused on host characterization using omics-based approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics. The incumbent will support sample collection and processing, team leading, study design, assay performance verification, biosample repository development, testing activities, novel sample processing procedures, data analysis, protocol development, technical reporting, training documentation, and scientific publication support. Work may involve collaborations within and outside USAMRIID and may include task support in BSL-3 and BSL-4 containment environments.
Responsibilities- Generate and execute protocols for the Systems Biology Branch at the Center for Genome Sciences. Perform and develop protocols for transcriptomic and proteomic (bulk, single cell and spatial), metabolomic in samples from in vitro cultures, animal models or human samples for host response characterization to pathogen infection or treated with a specific Medical Countermeasure.
- Perform protocols for epigenetic modification in nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) and prepare transition packages/technical reports/training documentation.
- Perform protocols using microphysiological systems (MPS), including ex-vivo tissues, organs on a chip, spheroids, organoids, and tissue 3D printing. Perform in vitro cell culture techniques to support the tasks.
- Assist in the preparation of transition packages, technical reports, and training documentation. Perform technical literature searches to support and update these protocols and techniques.
- Prepare technical reports and manuscripts for publication. Contractor shall provide the TPOC Quarterly and Annual Reports for all associative projects.
- Establish a biosample repository for evaluation and verification. Maintain a biosample repository for testing both surveillance verification as well as the new surveillance platforms.
- Provide the TPOC with a Project Report outlining protocols, data and standard operating procedures for responsible projects NLT on the last day of each month or as requested.
- Ensure that reagents in the lab are not expired and ordered periodically to avoid shortages and process stops. The Contractor shall maintain an updated inventory of reagent, sample, and intermediary process products stored in the designated areas, following biosafety guidance and CGS protocols. The Contractor shall receive and appropriately store reagents and samples delivered to the CGS.
- The number of deliverables required will vary per year depending on the number of funded projects available, but the typical workload is management and execution of 2-4 projects per year.
- Participate in all activities pertinent to lab performance and safety, including weekly lab clean up to avoid contaminations, be the primary, secondary or tertiary point of contact for equipment and/or laboratory spaces (POC shall be contacted by phone during emergencies, such as alarms or loss of power, and need to respond according to emergency plan for the CGS). Contractor shall contact commercial company and/or USAMRIID Medical Maintenance or Clinical Engineering (CEB) when an instrument is malfunctioning or needs periodical PM, and escort engineers during the scheduled visit at USAMRIID.
- Shall travel CONUS or OCONUS approximately 1-2 times per year to attend meetings and training and, in collaboration with the Government, engage with partners to support the biosurveillance and training missions as required.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications- PhD in Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biology, Biomedical Science, Microbiology, Immunology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
- BPRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.
- Experience consistent with a Scientist 2-level role supporting complex scientific research, study design, protocol development, data analysis, and technical reporting.
- Experience supporting systems biology, host response characterization, omics-based research, or related biomedical research programs.
- Experience with one or more omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, or epigenetics.
- Experience developing, executing, and evaluating scientific protocols.
- Experience supporting assay performance verification, sample processing, biosample repositories, and scientific data analysis.
- Experience preparing technical reports, transition packages, training documentation, manuscripts, or scientific publications.
- Experience supporting multiple research projects or project deliverables.
- Ability to work in BSL-3 and BSL-4 containment environments as required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain BPRP enrollment.
- Ability to travel CONUS or OCONUS as required.
- Successfully pass background and drug screening
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting systems biology research within infectious disease, biodefense, biosurveillance, or medical countermeasure programs.
- Experience with bulk, single-cell, or spatial transcriptomic and proteomic workflows.
- Experience with metabolomic workflows using in vitro, animal model, or human samples.
- Experience with epigenetic analyses involving RNA or DNA.
- Experience using microphysiological systems, including ex vivo tissues, organs-on-a-chip, spheroids, organoids, or tissue 3D printing.
- Experience performing in vitro cell culture techniques.
- Experience establishing or maintaining biosample repositories.
- Experience preparing scientific manuscripts, technical reports, transition packages, training documentation, or SOP-related project documentation.
- Experience supporting BSL-3 or BSL-4 containment operations.
- Experience coordinating equipment maintenance, laboratory readiness, reagent inventory, or sample storage activities.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of systems biology, host response characterization, and omics-based biomedical research.
- Knowledge of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics.
- Knowledge of protocol development, assay performance verification, sample processing, and scientific data analysis.
- Knowledge of microphysiological systems, including ex vivo tissues, organs-on-a-chip, spheroids, organoids, and tissue 3D printing.Knowledge of in vitro cell culture techniques and laboratory sample handling practices.
- Knowledge of biosample repository development, sample inventory management, reagent tracking, and biosafety-compliant storage practices.
- Ability to generate, execute, update, and document scientific protocols.
- Ability to prepare technical reports, transition packages, training documentation, project reports, manuscripts, and scientific deliverables.
- Ability to support multiple funded research projects and manage competing technical priorities.
- Ability to conduct technical literature searches and apply findings to update protocols and methodologies.
- Ability to coordinate with vendors, maintenance personnel, and laboratory support teams to maintain equipment readiness.
- Ability to support laboratory safety, contamination control, and emergency response activities.
- Strong analytical, technical writing, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary scientific research teams.
