Scientist II

Scientist II

Job ID: req4356
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Clinical Research Program
Facility: Rockville: 9800 MedCtrDr
Location: 9800 Medical Center Dr, Rockville, MD 20850 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Within Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., the Clinical Research Directorate (CRD) provides project and operational management of initiatives in support of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). NCATS supported efforts include management of the Therapeutics Development Branch (TDB) drug development programs such as gene therapies and antiviral therapeutic candidates. NCATS stimulates drug discovery and development collaboration between NIH, Leidos, academic scientists, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

A PhD-level scientist with experience, expertise, and training relevant to conducting the design, optimization, establishment, and execution of high throughput screening (HTS) and validation assays using a variety of methods and quantitively evaluate attributes of new bioactive compounds such as efficacy, binding affinities, physicochemical properties, etc.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support the Anti-Infective Program (AIP) initiatives using experience and technical expertise to support the identification of Direct Acting Antivirals (DAA), contributing to project planning, and meeting expectations for operational performance.
• Work closely with the Drug Discovery and Development (DDD) program leadership and NIH team members to implement research and development practices, including developing overarching project plans with scope and timelines and setting expectations for operational performance.
• Initiate and direct the design, optimization, establishment, and execution of high throughput screening (HTS) and validation assays using a variety of biochemical, immune, and spectroscopic methods including Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), Homogenous Time-Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF), Immuno-Fluorescence, etc.
• Quantitively evaluate active compounds attributes such as efficacy, specificity, binding affinities, and physicochemical properties by designing, optimizing, and executing studies using a variety of methods including Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF) and NanoDSF, and Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA).
• Facilitate the development of new bioactive compounds by interacting with other NCATS scientists regarding biochemical, molecular biology and pharmacological topics.
• Serve as scientific/technical lead for evaluation of experiment design and data.
• Design, implement, execute assigned projects with minimal supervision.
• Review, analyze, and summarize data from various studies, and prepare documentation associated with project/objectives including technical reports, SOPs, project specific protocols and reports.
• Prepare manuscripts and scientific presentations.
• Ensure laboratory procedures and testing are compliant with internal requirements and quality system.
• Work with automated systems, such as robotics, system integration and software programming.
• Analyze data and present findings at meetings.
• Anticipate obstacles and implements solutions.
• Perform review of project-specific documents.
• Ensure appropriate communication strategies and plans are in place to facilitate and maintain communication among scientific, regulatory, safety, monitoring, laboratory, and project team members.
• Position may travel sparingly domestically and internationally for annual scientific conferences.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of a PhD in biomedical research/clinical trials/health or a related discipline from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to educational requirements:, a minimum of two (2) years of directly related experience.
• Extensive experience in assay development and biosafety level II practices.
• Experience with cell-culture, HTS assay development for a 1536-well platform, automated dispensers, HTS data analysis.
• Experience and training relevant to conducting the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds and evaluate new bioactive compounds by regarding biochemical, molecular biochemical and pharmacological topics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Expertise in analysis, planning, and problem solving.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as a team member, with consistent ability to take initiative and make an active contribution to the team's performance.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Familiarity with applicable regulations such as Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Experience conducting federally funded research studies.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and other software applications to execute the needs of the project.

JOB HAZARDS OR REQUIREMENTS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here

100,400.00 - 172,625.00

The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data.

The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions