Immunology Research Scientist - NIH

Kelly Services - Gaithersburg, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Gaithersburg, MD

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

Kelly Government Solutions is seeking an experienced Immunology Research Scientist to join the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Gaithersburg, MD. This full-time, long-term contract position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. The successful candidate will be part of a laboratory team specializing in cell culture, viral transfection, and immunological evaluations. The role involves managing a variety of biological samples and performing rigorous data analysis using statistical methods to identify correlations and trends. Key responsibilities include developing and optimizing various neutralization assays, maintaining specimen samples, and ensuring laboratory compliance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) guidelines. The Immunology Research Scientist will be proficient with automated liquid handling systems and data management programs, and will work collaboratively within a BSL-2 laboratory environment. This position is critical in contributing to clinical trial evaluations and ensuring high standards of accuracy and efficiency in all laboratory operations. The contractor will perform routine cell culture using aseptic techniques, conduct reverse genetic rescues, evaluate human and animal samples in clinical trials, analyze trial data, develop validation protocols for assays, and maintain accurate documentation. The role also includes training analysts in assay protocols and ensuring compliance with GCLP guidelines while maintaining rapid turnaround times for specimen samples.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine cell culture using aseptic techniques and maintain documentation for multiple cell line types.
• Conduct reverse genetic rescues and pseudotype virus transfection propagations for large-scale assays.
• Evaluate human and animal samples in clinical trials through immunological methods.
• Analyze trial data using statistical methods to identify patterns and generate summary graphs.
• Perform data cleaning and preprocessing to ensure data quality.
• Develop and implement validation protocols for assays, including method, equipment, and process validation.
• Prepare and qualify laboratory reagents, documenting processes accurately.
• Safely handle and process sera and other biological samples for assays.
• Perform precise liquid handling using serological, single, and multichannel pipettes, as well as automated liquid handling systems.
• Optimize and execute various neutralization assays on multiple platforms, including automated systems like Biomek i7 and Integra AssistPlus.
• Train analysts in assay protocols, especially those required in a GCLP environment.
• Schedule and conduct preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment following GCLP requirements.
• Follow SOPs to test samples in an organized, aseptic, high-throughput manner.
• Maintain rapid turnaround times for specimen samples while upholding accuracy standards.
• Manage supplies and reagents for scheduled tests and adapt to changes in schedule as needed.
• Comply with GCLP guidelines and maintain accurate records.
• Wear appropriate PPE in a BSL-2 laboratory and properly utilize various laboratory equipment.
• Store clinical samples using dry ice, freezers, and liquid nitrogen tanks, following safety protocols.
• Communicate effectively with management and external collaborators.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (BS) with a minimum of 3 years of experience in a BSL-2 laboratory.
• Prior experience with cell culture and neutralization assays.
• Proficient in computer and data management programs such as LIMS, CQMS, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Proficient in CQMS, LabKey, and Prism GraphPad software.
• Experience in a GCLP environment and expertise with Beckman Coulter automated liquid handling software like SAMI and Biomek.

Benefits

• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid sick time