Scientist

Position Objective: Provide services as a Scientist in support of the overall functions of the Vaccine Production Program in the Vaccine Research Center within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Downstream Process Development (purification) group of the Vaccine Production Program (VPP) at the Vaccine Research Center.
• Develop downstream processes for recombinant proteins such as monoclonal antibodies, subunit or nanoparticle vaccines, and virus-like particles (VLPs) that may be used as clinical therapeutic or vaccine candidates.
• Work independently and collaboratively within the purification group to design, develop and optimize chromatography, Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF), and Normal Flow Filtration (NFF) processes for all clinical trial vaccine candidates.
• Apply process optimization techniques, such as Design of Experiments (DoE) or other statistical design approaches.
• Support Viral Clearance Validation studies by traveling to CMO/CRO sites to perform and oversee viral clearance chromatography and filtrations processes.
• Purify research-phase recombinant proteins, virus vaccines and/or virus-like particles in support of other groups at the VRC.
• Analyze and compile data, present at various group/department meetings.
• Pursue novel technologies to advance the capabilities of the VPP.
• Write and review technical reports and method protocols.
• Write and review process batch records for toxicology batch productions.
• Write and review technology transfer documents in support of GMP manufacturing.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or other life sciences is required.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following techniques or tools for protein purification and characterization:
  • Column chromatography for protein purification by means of AEX, CEX, affinity, SEC, HIC
  • AKTA chromatography system
  • Qualitative assays including SDS-PAGE and Western Blot
  • UV/vis spectrophotometer
• Proficiency in the following is highly-desirable, but not required:
  • Column packing and testing
  • Lab scale TFF systems
  • Lab scale nano-filtration systems
  • Qualitative assays including SDS-PAGE and Western Blot
  • UV/vis spectrophotometer
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with computer software including word processing and data evaluation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

This position is contingent upon contract award.