Odyssey is seeking a Biological Technician I to support the Structural Vaccinology Laboratory at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in the Biologics Research & Development (BR&D) Department. This position is located in Silver Spring, Maryland. This position will provide support in the areas of immunogen/biologics design, immunogen and antigen delivery, applied research supporting structural vaccinology, biologics and immune assays development, conducting animal studies and performing immune assays.

Duties include, but not limited to: 

• Aliquot and record storage of biological samples to include mouse and other small rodents.
• Express proteins in bacterial cells and mammalian cells and characterize proteins.
• Conduct immunological assays, such as ELISA, and other laboratory assays to analyze the immune responses
• Clone and express monoclonal antibody genes in mammalian cells
• Carry out malaria-related functional assays to study biological function of antibodies
• Work with animals (mice and Rhesus serum) at the direction of the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)
• Participate in down-selection of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies using mouse models
• Assist with statistical analysis of the data and help to generate scientific papers
• Provide assistance to other lab members with all job-related matters
• Maintain a safe and clean work area, while supporting a safe workplace ensuring awareness of and observing appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations;
• Comply and attend all mandated safety training sessions relative to efforts in this task and report any infractions of safety procedures to the TPOC and the facility Safety Officer
• Maintain up to date records of all lab work, including paper and electronic files
• Perform laboratory administrative functions as assigned to include, but not limited to, monitoring and responding to temperature controllers using a datatron system
• Attend lab meetings and contribute to daily laboratory operations as required
• Maintain supplies and equipment inventory tracking and support ordering laboratory supplies as required
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures with the laboratory
• Maintain open communications with TPOC on experimental progress and work/safety related communications in real-time.

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: B.S. in the Biological Sciences

Years of Experience: 1-3 years laboratory experience

Certifications: N/A

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI

Education: B.S. in the Biological Sciences with emphasis on Immunology and infectious diseases (Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology)

Years of experience: 2-4 years of laboratory experience 

Certifications: N/A

Technical Skills

• Immunological Assays (i.e. ELISA, Western Blot, etc.)
• Experience working with small animals (rodents)
• Protein expression and characterization
• Cloning in mammalian cells
• Molecular Assays (PCR, Sequencing, etc.)
• Statistical analysis programs
• Microsoft Suite
• Experience with Malaria pathogenesis and vaccinology preferred

Interpersonal Skills

• Attention to detail, communication, multitasking, team player

Additional Information

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

Travel: None

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.