Odyssey Systems is currently hiring a Research Technician II to join our dynamic and growing team at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Wound Infection Department (WID). WID will deliver specific, effective countermeasures for combat wounds pre-injury, at the point of injury, and post-injury. The Bacteriophage Therapeutics (BT) group focuses on studying Bacteriophage as a treatment for microbial pathogens of military relevance.

The candidate will perform a variety of laboratory procedures and be familiar with the field's concepts, practices, and techniques, including, but not limited to, microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology. The candidate will work as part of a scientific team to understand and resolve complex biological questions while contributing to product development by analyzing and interpreting data and presenting findings at meetings. Under the guidance of the BT head, the candidate will actively pursue the scientific objectives of the Branch and contribute significantly to the execution of required studies.

Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Perform research on phage therapeutics for microbial pathogens of military relevance and animal testing.
• Develop and recommend phage cocktails for the treatment of the ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli) 
• Perform assays to include but are not limited to genetic analysis PCR assays, plasmid profiles, biochemical and immunodiagnostic tests, mass spectrometry
•  Organize and tabulate results of studies and prepare data summaries.
• Maintains accurate and appropriate research records, including maintaining a laboratory notebook compliant with laboratory work standards (replicability) and WRAIR/Army regulations.
• Analyze and report experimental results from each technical research support area to stakeholders and leaders. Information regarding this analysis and report shall be included in the monthly report.
• Maintain department phage inventory, microbial pathogen strain repository, and derivative sample inventories.
• Work closely with other Government and Contractor personnel to plan, develop, and gain approval of human use protocols as required for the performance of tasks.
• Maintain laboratory operation to include ensuring stocks of laboratory supplies and reagents, ordering supplies and preparing supply requests for approval, annual inventory of micro-organisms, annually updating of technical research support area SOPs, maintaining a collection of clean glassware, properly disposing of hazardous biological and chemical waste, preparing reagents, and maintaining an inventory of laboratory chemicals.
• Maintain a safe workplace, ensuring that appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations are observed. 
• Complete safety training relative to the position and report any infractions of safety procedures to the COR and facility Safety Officer. 
• Assist in the preparation and proper execution of animal use protocols.
• Obtain required annual occupational physical examinations, serologic tests, and security clearances for work in department laboratories.

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen

Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance

Education: B.S. in an appropriate discipline (e.g., biology, microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology) 

 Years’ experience: At least three (3) years of experience in microbiology and sterile tissue culture techniques.

• Must have experience in BSL-2 environments and conduct safe work in this laboratory environment.
• Must be comfortable working with small animals
• Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced and diverse environment. Contribute individually as well as part of a highly collaborative and productive team.
• Ability to prepare precise technical summaries and protocols and maintain appropriate documentation.
• Strong computer skills and experience with relevant software, including M.S. Office and GraphPad Prism.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: M.S. in an appropriate discipline (e.g., biology, microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology)

Experience: 

• Experience with BSL-2 bacterial pathogens
• Experience with bacteriophage assays and methodologies
• Experience working with small animal models

Additional Information:

• Onsite at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (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