Scientific Program Analyst

We are seeking a Scientific Program Analyst to support the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH), world renowned National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Bethesda, MD. Our NIAID professional, technical, and scientific support personnel are part of a preeminent team focused on positively impacting millions of lives around the world with groundbreaking research. Candidates will work at a prominent and vibrant NIAID worksite to directly support exciting ongoing research activities as a contractor team member. Accelerate your career and apply below to help us make a difference.

CAMRIS International is a dynamic clinical research and international development firm that achieves innovative solutions to health and development challenges through high-quality, cost-effective programs and research management services. We combine our proven systems with today’s most effective, evidence-based best practices. Our core practice areas include: clinical research; vaccine research, microbiology and infectious disease research, development and production; biodefense; global health security; and HIV/AIDS programs. 

Our employees enjoy a collegial environment where individual contributions matter at all levels. At CAMRIS, you will notably improve the lives of people at home and abroad.  

• Advance vaccine and therapeutic protein candidates including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and virus-like particles for preclinical development programs.
• Provide continual support for generation and evaluation of recombinant CHO cell lines using automated platforms for clone selection and screening.
• Participate in cell line development platform design, optimization, and cycle-time reduction studies including:
  • Methods for clone selection, expansion, ranking, and characterization by reviewing recent literature and new technologies with a focus on developing and implementing a stable cell line generation platform in 293 host cells.
  • Design and test multiple expression vector configurations.
• Independently plan and execute small-scale process development studies using various culture vessels including tissue culture plates, shake flasks, and small-scale bioreactors.
• Contribute to expression vector design and optimization studies utilizing knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
• Identify, propose, and execute process and procedural changes to improve process performance, robustness, productivity, and efficiency.
• Participate in and lead projects as part of the VPP rapid response initiative towards improved pandemic preparedness.
• Prepare plasmid DNA using standard molecular cloning techniques.
• Perform transfection, selection, and maintenance of cells expressing proteins of interest.
• Generate, maintain and review accurate daily records of experiments and results in a laboratory notebook.
• Prepare and review experimental plans, proposals, reports, SOPs, and production records.
• Collect information, draft and verify data for CMC sections of pre-IND and IND documents to ensure successful registration of candidates.
• Review experiments in order to evaluate the progress of the research and ensure that experiments and documentation conform to established protocols.
• Work closely with other members of CLD team, upstream process development and downstream process development teams to improve workflow efficiency and overall process yield.
• Ensure timely completion of lab cleaning, equipment maintenance, and supply ordering by team members.
• Work collaboratively with team members to develop and establish new techniques and recommend alternative approaches and potential solutions to challenges observed during the cell line development process.
• Lead the design and execution of development projects.
• Coach team members through project planning and writing an experimental plan.
• Review and edit the experimental plan.
• Support the execution of the experimental plan and review of the data.
• Assist team members with preparation of a presentation or other documentation of results.
• Work with Federal Task Leader to manage project timelines and provide regular updates to project teams for multiple clonally derived cell line projects running in parallel.
• Present research findings in team meetings, project meetings, and department meetings.
• Coordinate team meeting updates and presentations.

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a minimum of 2 years of independent research experience in an academic or industrial setting or M.S. in Biological Sciences with a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Expertise in cell engineering, aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture along with supporting technologies for cell line engineering including cell counting, high-throughput transfection, single-cell cloning, and flow cytometry.
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning methods, PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Ability to independently design experiments and work plans and manage project timelines for complex projects.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and complete projects independently.
• Experience leading cell line development projects for monoclonal antibody and/or vaccine production and managing multiple project timelines.
• Experience writing and editing technical reports and standard operating procedures, and preparing data presentations.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment within the cell line development team and with other teams.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by a candidate to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to lift or carry 25 to 50 pounds.
• Ability to lift or carry less than 25 pounds.
• Ability to push or pull more than 45 pounds.
• Ability to push or pull 25 to 45 pounds.
• Ability to push or pull less than 25 pounds.
• Ability to reach above shoulder level and use both hands.
• Must be able to stand or walk more than 25 of 30 min, bend repeatedly, kneel, crawl and climb.
• Must have depth perception, correctable near vision and be able to distinguish basic colors.
• Ability to perform repetitive activities.
• Ability to work alone and closely with others, in dust, in excessive cold, in excessive noise, and in shifts.
• Ability to work protracted or irregular hours.
• Ability to work on slippery or uneven working surfaces, around machinery with moving parts, with hands in water, and work with solvents.
• Will be required to be in contact with high noise levels and lasers (open or closed).
• Will work with aerosols, biological inhalants, corrosive substances, inorganic dust and powders, plastics, petroleum products, and sensitizing agents.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, face shields/goggles, safety glasses, lab coat, ear plugs/muffs, disposable dust/surgical mask and a disposable respirator mask N, P, R –95, 99,100.

Please submit your resume online at www.CAMRIS.com. CAMRIS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law.

CAMRIS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for individuals and families, FSAs, HSA, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, legal services, voluntary hospital indemnity, critical illness and accident insurances, EAP, pet insurance, 401(k) with employer match and Roth option, tuition and professional reimbursement, public transportation support in the DMV area, a referral bonus program, vacation with tenure-based increases, PTO, 11 paid holidays, paid bonding leave, and paid supplemental short-term disability.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Public Trust-level background check, a requirement for this position under an active federal contract. The background check process may include, but is not limited to the following: (1) contacting your professional references; (2) verification of previous employment, education and credentials; (3) a criminal background check; (4) use/abuse of federally-controlled substances; and (5) a department of motor vehicle check. Candidates must be prepared to fully-complete any required background check questionnaire during initial onboarding.