Biological Scientist

Position Overview

The Biological Scientist will provide specialized laboratory and scientific support for research focused on developing novel chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics for tuberculosis and related diseases. The role includes coordinating drug screening projects, performing automated high-throughput screening (HTS), conducting molecular biology studies, and communicating research progress with collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate screening projects, establish deadlines, recommend assignments, and monitor and summarize project progress.
• Prepare project status reports and memos for management and share screening results and progress updates with collaborators.
• Coordinate compound delivery and track receipt of domestic and international compound shipments, including follow-up on delayed shipments.
• Collaborate with National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) investigators on project timelines and shared resources in the biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) screening laboratory.
• Perform HTS against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other approved microorganisms of therapeutic relevance in the BSL-3 laboratory.
• Operate BioMek Fx, ECHO acoustic dispenser, V spin centrifuge, plate sealer and peeler, BioTek and Certus liquid handlers, ThermoFisher Multidrop, Opera Phenix reader, Cytomat incubator, Pherastar FSX imager, Viaflo automated liquid handlers, and associated microplate readers.
• Isolate ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), clone genes, and perform transcriptional profiling to investigate screening hits.
• Collaborate on screening project development and track processes, progress, and deliverables.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), presentations, and materials for drug screening projects.
• Train new laboratory personnel working in the BSL-3 screening laboratory.
• Generate a database of profiling results from BSL-3 screening projects.
• Research, analyze, develop, and implement internationally accepted screening guidance and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
• Professional knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of a scientific specialty or subspecialty and related disciplines, such as biology, microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, drug discovery, and biochemistry.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a science-related field.

Deliverables

Meet with laboratory members monthly to present updates.