Research Scientist

Position Summary

We are seeking a Research Technician IV to join a dynamic and growing team at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Wound Infection Department (WID). WID is tasked with delivering specific, effective countermeasures for infection of combat wounds pre-injury, at the point-of-injury, and post-injury. The Structural Biology (XTAL) group focuses on structure-based drug designs for microbial pathogens of military relevance. Researchers in this group express, purify and crystalize ESKAPEE pathogen proteins of interest and utilize sophisticated techniques such as X-ray Crystallography and mass spectroscopy to model small molecule drug-protein interactions.

Responsibilities/Duties include, but not limited to:

• Provide technical support in several research areas including: 1) Molecular biology, 2) Microbiology, 3) Immunology, 4) X-ray crystallography, 5) Various chromatographic systems, and 6) structure-function relationships.
• Performs microbiological and molecular biological studies on various bacterial pathogens of military relevance under biosafety level 2 and 3 conditions, including genetic/genotypic analysis of these pathogens.
• Performs genetic analysis techniques such as PFGE, SNP, VNTR, DNA sequencing and PCR testing to support funded bacterial pathogen research projects including bacteriophage efforts.
• Cultures infectious agents for use in laboratory procedures. Prepares pure sterile DNA samples from microbial agents in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories.
• Performs established laboratory tests to identify characteristics of microbial agents including PCR assays, plasmid profiles, biochemical and immunodiagnostic tests.
• Follows established protocols to perform microbiological and molecular biological assays.
• Organizes and tabulates results of studies and prepares data summaries.
• Maintains accurate and appropriate research records including maintaining a laboratory notebook compliant with standards of laboratory work (replicability) and with WRAIR/Army regulations.
• Maintain a safe workplace ensuring that he/she is aware of and observes appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations. Employee is required to attend safety training relative to his/her position and report any infractions of safety procedures to the facility Safety Officer.
• Completes all required safety, biosafety and security training classes.
• Obtain required annual occupational physical examinations and serologic tests and any required security clearances for work in department biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories.
• Specialized training in new methods and procedures as needed, including in the use of data analysis software.

Qualifications

• US Citizen
• BS. in appropriate discipline (e.g., microbiology, immunology and molecular biology) with at least 7 years' related laboratory experience.
• Must have experience in BSL-2 environments and the ability to conduct safe work in this laboratory environment.
• Must be able to work with animals.