Sr. Molecular Phage Biologist

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior Molecular Phage Biologist (PhD level) to support the Wound Infection Department at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). 

 

Responsibilities

Duties include, but not limited to: 

• Supervises and performs research on phage and microbial pathogens of military relevance (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, Shigella, Pseudomonas, etc.), including genetic modification of bacteriophages and bacterial hosts and animal testing.
• Independently plans, coordinates and performs microbiological studies and genetic studies of bacteriophages and bacterial pathogens, including animal modeling, under biosafety level 2 conditions.
• Acts as a Principle Investigator in managing multiple simultaneous research projects within the defined scope of work.
• Modifies established experimental techniques as required and establishes new techniques in the laboratory based on information provided in the scientific literature.
• Analyzes and reports experimental results.
• Maintains accurate and appropriate research records including maintaining laboratory notebooks compliant with standards of laboratory work (replicability) and with WRAIR/Army regulations.
• Contributes to and maintains knowledge of cutting edge principles and techniques required to accomplish the research duties.
• Trains and supervises junior scientific and technical staff to accomplish objectives.
• Oversees laboratory operations, including laboratory supplies and reagents, laboratory safety, orderliness and cleanliness.
• Regularly writes and publishes articles in peer reviewed scientific journals; prepares data for presentation at scientific meetings in accordance with WRAIR policy for Authorship of Manuscripts Sent to Scientific Journals.
• Prepares proposals and progress reports for performance of research projects.
• Integrates and coordinates scientific experiments for the group.
• Participates and leads planning sessions for program design and direction.
• Prepares human use and/or animal use protocols.
• Completes all required safety, biosafety and security training classes.
• Obtains all required occupational physical examinations, annual serologic tests and any required security clearances to conduct work in department laboratories.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications

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

Clearance: Ability to obtain NACI

Education: MD or PhD in an appropriate discipline such as microbiology, bacteriology, bacteriophage biology or Molecular Biology

Years of Experience: 10-15 years of post-graduate experience

Certifications: N/A

 

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI

Education: MD or PhD in an appropriate discipline such as bacteriology, bacteriophage or Molecular Biology

Years of experience: 15+ years of post-graduate experience, with specialization in bacteriophage characterization and development in the context of ESKAPEE pathogens

Certifications: N/A

 

Technical Skills

• Experience with BSL-2 ESKAPEE pathogen research and related countermeasures
• Techniques for the genetic modification of ESKAPEE bacteria and bacteriophage
• In vitro and In vivo ESKAPEE pathogen infection models
• Molecular Biology techniques including cloning, PCR and sequencing
• Experience with performing advanced statistical analyses, including GraphPad Prism, SAS, R, etc.
• Experience with publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with writing and submitting successful NIH, DoD and other government grants
• Experience leading and training large groups of scientists and technicians 

 

Interpersonal Skills

• Leadership, Delegation, Critical Thinking, Multitasking, Communication, Problem-Solving, Decision-Making

 

Additional Information

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

Travel: 10%

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite

 

#LI-JC1

Company Overview

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, is an innovative small business committed to providing world-class technical, management, and training support services to government and publi