Immunology Research Scientist - NIH

Kelly Services - Gaithersburg, MD

Full-time - Entry Level

Gaithersburg, MD

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking an experienced and meticulous Immunology Research Scientist to join our laboratory team, specializing in cell culture, viral transfection, and immunological evaluations. The successful candidate will manage a variety of biological samples and perform rigorous data analysis using statistical methods to identify correlations and trends. This role requires proficiency with automated liquid handling systems, data management programs, and the ability to work collaboratively within a BSL-2 laboratory environment. The Biologist will contribute significantly to clinical trial evaluations and ensure high standards of accuracy and efficiency in all laboratory operations. Key responsibilities include developing and optimizing various neutralization assays, maintaining specimen samples, and ensuring laboratory compliance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) guidelines. The contractor will perform routine cell culture using aseptic techniques, conduct reverse genetic rescues and pseudotype virus transfection propagations for large-scale assays, and evaluate human and animal samples in clinical trials through immunological methods. Additionally, the contractor will analyze trial data using statistical methods to identify patterns and generate summary graphs, perform data cleaning and preprocessing to ensure data quality, and develop and implement validation protocols for assays, including method, equipment, and process validation. The role also involves preparing and qualifying laboratory reagents, documenting processes accurately, safely handling and processing sera and other biological samples for assays, and performing precise liquid handling using serological, single, and multichannel pipettes, as well as automated liquid handling systems. The Immunology Research Scientist will optimize and execute various neutralization assays on multiple platforms, including automated systems like Biomek i7 and Integra AssistPlus, and train analysts in assay protocols, especially those required in a GCLP environment. The contractor will also schedule and conduct preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment following GCLP requirements, maintain rapid turnaround times for specimen samples while upholding accuracy standards, and manage supplies and reagents for scheduled tests while adapting to changes in schedule as needed. Overall, this position offers the opportunity to work at NIH, the world's foremost medical research center, and contribute to significant advancements in immunological research.

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

• Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to work at NIH, the world's foremost medical research center