Scientist

We are seeking a Scientist 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.  

• Perform maintenance for multiple cell culture lines used in laboratory experiments.
• Perform routine flow cytometry to test cell surface and intracellular proteins.
• Conduct protein/antibody production, purification and analysis (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA etc).
• Perform RT-PCR, cloning, plasmid purification and analysis.
• Isolate/identify monoclonal antibodies from convalescent donors and vaccine immunized animals.
• Produce pseudotyped lentiviruses for multiple viruses including influenza, HIV-1 and coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and others).
• Perform neutralization assays to evaluate monoclonal antibodies and vaccinated sera against multiple viruses including influenza, HIV-1 and coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and others).
• Conduct animal studies to evaluate the immunogenicity of vaccines (including intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and intravenous injection, sample collection and processing).
• Interact/collaborate with scientists from internal and external organizations.
• Conduct research independently including planning experiments, data analysis and peer-reviewed publication of data.
• Manage ordering and maintenance of supplies for large, complex laboratory, to include record keeping, inventory, restocking, and training of personnel for inventory assistance.
• Perform inventories of laboratory specimens, manage tracking logs, reconcile discrepancies to ensure accurate records in accordance with biospecimen policies and regulations.
• Catalog, record, and handle a variety of laboratory/biological samples.
• Manage input of laboratory/biologic sample information in centralized database; responsible for maintenance and input of plasmid information into lab-wide database.
• Serve as primary point of contact to facilitate and monitor for biological materials shipments across the lab, to include training of laboratory staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Three years of Ph.D. degree in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline. Five (5) years of specialized experience plus a Master’s degree is equivalent to a Ph.D. degree. BS degree with 10 year or more experience in virology research, experience on virus neutralization assay preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
• Demonstrated knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures.

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 less than 25 pounds, lift or carry 25 – 50 pounds, push or pull less than 25 pounds, push or pull 25 – 45 pounds, reach above shoulder level and use both hands.
• Will be required to stand or walk more than 25 of 30 min.
• Must have depth perception, distinguish basic colors and perform repetitive activities.
• Ability to work alone and closely with others, work shifts and work with solvents
• Will be required to be in contact with human blood or other body fluids, HIV-1, HIV-2, MMR viruses and Varicella virus.
• Will work with aerosols, biological inhalants, corrosive substances, plastics, and solvents.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, face shields/goggles, safety glasses, lab coat and disposable dust/surgical mask.

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.