Odyssey is seeking a Phage Molecular Biologist, Jr Scientist I to support the Wound Infections Department (WID) at WRAIR. The phage biologist is responsible for performing a variety of laboratory procedures and works as part of a scientific team to advance the understanding of biological questions to contribute to the advancement of product development.

                                             ***Contingent upon contract award***

• Design and develop Bacteriophage cocktails for the treatment of MDR organisms of military relevance
• Conduct gene-deletion or mutagenesis studies on bacterial isolates
• Design and execute novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genomic assays and algorithms for detecting resistance determinants
• Implement high-throughput whole bacteriophage genome sequencing
• Lead data analysis and interpretation
• Centralize and standardize inventory characterization and reporting of MDR organisms and bacteriophage
• Design and deploy bioinformatics pipelines and analytical approaches
• Prepare and manage research proposals to DoD and other government funding agencies.
• Communicate research findings to stakeholders, enterprise clients, collaborators, the scientific community and the general public through posters, presentations, patents, manuscripts, and other periodic or special reports
• Lead a team of researchers to methodically advance the development of bacteriophage products
• Participate in strategic planning and study design.
• Establish collaborations with outside research groups

                                           ***Contingent upon contract award***

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:  MS in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology or another related scientific field.

Years of Experience:   Minimum of 3 years’ experience in at least one of the following areas: Bacteriology, Phage Biology, Bacteriophage Therapeutics Development and Pathogen Discovery

Certifications: N/A

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI

Education: Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline (e.g., microbiology, immunology, Molecular Biology or biochemistry)

Years of experience: At least three years (3) year post-graduate experience working with ESKAPEE pathogens and antibacterial development

Certifications: N/A

Technical Skills

• Strong computer skills and experience with relevant software, including MS Office and GraphPad Prism.
• Experience with microbiology of Gram-negative negative species and antibacterial development is desired.
• Must be willing to apply for competitive grant funding.
• Must have excellent presentation and oral and written communication skills.
• 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.
• Must have proven ability to prepare precise technical summaries and protocols and maintain appropriate documentation.

Interpersonal Skills

• Must be a strong problem solver, decision maker, and communicator
• Ability to troubleshoot scientific and technical issues
• Ability to multitask and delegate when needed
• Positive attitude and teamwork oriented

Additional Information

Location: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (Silver Spring, MD)

Travel: 10%

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite

                                            ***Contingent upon contract award***

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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