We are seeking a Sr. Scientist II 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 Human Monoclonal Antibody Platform (HMAP) group focuses on in vitro and in vivo research of virulence factors associated with ESKAPEE pathogens and developing monoclonal antibodies against them.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Select and develop relevant antigens through cell cloning and bioassay techniques.
• Apply microbiology, molecular and cell biology techniques to generate monoclonal antibodies.
• Lead the antibody discovery and optimization team to apply translational immunology and other preclinical assays to support pipeline program progression for microbial pathogens of military relevance including ESKAPEE pathogens.
• Develop and conduct screening tests including ELISA, flow cytometry and cell-based assays such as opsonophagocytosis and complement activation for antibody characterization.
• Perform screening and other immunological assays for the development of vaccines and the characterization of monoclonal antibodies for antibacterial therapies.
• Perform all aspects of antibody development including screening and characterization, assay design and preclinical development using small animal models of infection.
• Independently design experiments, make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results and deliver timely results.
• Communicate research findings to stakeholders, enterprise clients, collaborators, the scientific community and the general public as well as by drafting and coordinating patents, grants, manuscripts, periodic and special reports and other relevant reports  (e.g., MIC results) routinely
• Prepare and manage research proposals to NIH and other relevant funding agencies
• Mentor and supervise junior scientists within the team as needed.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen or Green Card holder and lived in the U.S. three out of the last five years.

Clearance: Ability to obtain NACI

Education: Ph.D. in relevant field such as Microbiology, Immunology, Physiology, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry

Years’ experience: 3-5 years of experience with antibody discovery, development and characterization. 

• Must have a proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and securing competitive funding from grants/proposals written and submitted (at least 1). 
• Must have strong computer skills and experience with relevant software including MS Office and GraphPad Prism.

Preferred Qualifications:  

Clearance: NACI

Education: Ph.D. in relevant field such as Microbiology, Immunology, Physiology, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry

Years’ experience: 5-8 years of experience with antibody discovery, development and characterization. 

• Experience with microbiology of Gram-negative negative species, antibacterial development, genetics and molecular cloning to determine and develop target antigens, eukaryotic cell culture, expression vector design, transient transfection, recombinant antibody testing and development, protein expression
• Ability to establish and validate new antibody-based functional assays and characterization processes for any given pathogen is desired.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Must be a strong problem solver, decision maker, and communicator
• Proven leadership experience
• Ability to multitask and delegate when needed

Additional Information:  

Location: Onsite at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, MD  

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Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, is an innovative small business committed to providing world-class technical, management, and training support services to government and public sector clients. We focus on people, processes, and performance to deliver superior results. Since our inception in 1997, our commitment to mission success and customer satisfaction has been recognized with exponential growth and exceptional past performance ratings. We accept challenging assignments and drive projects from the planning stages, through implementation, and into operations and support.

Please note: Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities