We are seeking a Junior Scientist II to work in the TIR branch of WRAIR. The Trauma Infections Research (TIR) group performs research in the Wound Infections Department (WID) within the Bacterial Diseases Branch (BDB) at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR).  The mission of TIR is to develop host-targeted treatments against immune dysregulation and wound infections following combat-related polytraumatic injuries. We have been evaluating first-line antimicrobials and novel therapies against wound infections caused by multi-drug resistant strains pf Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the causative agents of invasive fungal infections such as Mucorales spp. The scientist will join our team to conduct translational research in the areas of combat-wound-related animal modeling, bacterial pathogenesis, novel therapeutics, and diagnostics.  The group has multiple projects on the development of combat-relevant infection models and pre-clinical testing of antimicrobial treatments.

Duties include, but not limited to: 

• Perform studies related to trauma-related bacterial infections, including but not limited to
• studies to screen/develop/optimize new therapeutics
• Perform animal surgical techniques and rodent handling including anesthesia, euthanasia, blood and other tissue collection.
• Perform sc bacterial culture, biofilm formation assay, antibiotic sensitivity test, in vitro antimicrobial tests.
• Conduct studies to develop combat-relevant infection animal models as pipelines for testing treatments of wound and systemic infections
• Conduct, ip and iv injections of therapeutics
• Conduct/assist with immunological/physiological tests including cytokine/chemokine assessment, immune cell analysis and evaluation of healing.
• Keep accurate and complete records of research done in accordance with applicable standards.
• Submit reports and data summaries as requested and prepare research results for presentation and publication in the scientific literature.
• Participate on proposal writing projects when requested.
• Provide all job-related progress reports/technical reports as requested.
• Maintain a safe workplace ensuring that he/she is aware of and observes appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations.
• Performs light duties and other related duties as required and assigned.
• Strong computer skills and experience with relevant software, including MS Office, GraphPad Prism and molecular biology software.

Night and weekend hours may be required.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen or Green Card holder (must have lived in the U.S. 3 out of the last 5 years)

Clearance: Ability to obtain NACI

Education: Ph.D. in appropriate discipline (e.g., microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, physiology and animal models)

Years of Experience: 2-4 years post-graduate experience

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI

Education: Ph.D. in appropriate discipline (e.g., microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, physiology and animal models)

Years of experience: 4-7 years post-graduate experience

Certifications: N/A

Technical Skills

• Experience with microbiology of bacterial pathogens and antibacterial development is a plus.
• Proficiency in basic laboratory techniques and basic math skills
• Must have ability to perform work at a high level of accuracy and maintain detailed records of research.
• Strong computer skills and experience with relevant software including MS Office, GraphPad Prism and molecular biology software.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and elucidate root causes of experimental failures.
• Proficiency in writing lab protocols, SOPs and research papers

Interpersonal Skills

• Communication, Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking, Reliability, Attention to Detail, Enthusiasm, Multitasking

Additional Information

Location: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Travel: 5%

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite

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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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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. Salary range available upon request.