Odyssey Systems has an exciting new opportunity for a Research Associate supporting the WRAIR – Department of Diarrheal Disease Research (DDR). Diarrheal diseases, notably Shigella, are a major source of morbidity among deployed U.S. military and a significant threat to readiness. To that end, BDB aims to develop a safe and effective vaccine against multiple Shigella strains to protect personnel overseas and keep Soldiers in the fight. This position is perfect for a recent college graduate who is interested in getting great training from a top notch team.

Duties include, but not limited to: 

The Research Associate will provide support in the areas of Bioproduction and Biocharacterization research to include:

• Conducting bench research on Shigella (or other enteric pathogens) to include large scale production of purified proteins and LPS.
• Assisting in the daily maintenance and operations of the lab to include media preparation, glassware and hazardous waste management, and administrative duties such as ordering supplies and periodic lab inventories.
• Establishing and/or developing laboratory procedures and analyze and/or evaluate research data; participate in a cooperative effort to accomplish goals of the laboratory; maintain proficiency and expertise in the field of research.
• Utilizing professional knowledge of theories, principles, methods, and techniques of cell biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, such as Liquid Chromatography (HPLC/FPLC); SDS-PAGE (Coomassie, Silver); Western blotting; Protein Quantitation assays (BCA, Bradford Lowry); centrifugation; bacterial cell homogenization and lysis as well as basic bacteriology techniques.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen or a Green Card Holder residing in the U.S. for the past 3 out of 5 years.

Clearance: Ability to obtain a NACI

Education: BS in a biological or biochemical science (chemistry / biochemistry / microbiology / molecular biology, etc).

Years of Experience: Recent college graduate with exposure and interest in biological sciences related to human infectious diseases.

Certifications: N/A

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI

Education: BS in a biological or biochemical science (chemistry / biochemistry / microbiology / molecular biology, etc).

Years of experience: 1-3 years of experience with human infectious diseases, specifically enteric bacteria

Certifications: N/A

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with the following research equipment is preferred but not required: FPLC, HPLC, Mass Spectrometer, fermenters, lyophilizers
• Familiarity with the following typical procedures is preferred but not required to: SDS-PAGE, protein assays, bacterial fermentation and protein purification.
• Familiarity and understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP)
• Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
• Fluency with Windows operating system, Apple operating system and Microsoft Office software suite
• Individual must be able to lift at least 25 pounds

Interpersonal Skills

• Team player
• Attention to detail
• Communication
• reliability
• enthusiasm

Additional Information

Location: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), 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.

This position is filled through continuous recruitment and will remain open until a sufficient pool of applications has been received.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Tricare supplement, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, learning and development benefit, paid time off, and holidays.

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