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.  

• Plan and execute the generation of stable cell lines for preclinical and clinical material production to advance candidates including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and virus-like particles.
• Gene synthesis including oligo synthesis, plasmid design, and construction.
• Manage timelines and experimental plans for multiple projects simultaneously and regularly review records of tasks performed by other team members.
• Independently execute and/or manage all steps of the process including plasmid construction, stable pool generation, single cell cloning, and top clone selection.
• Draft and verify data for CMC sections of pre-IND and IND documents to ensure successful registration of candidates.
• Design, perform, and troubleshoot experiments and analyze data for both development and deliverable projects.
• Identify, propose, and execute process and procedural changes to improve performance, robustness, productivity, and efficiency by reviewing recent literature and new technologies.
• Oversee maintenance and support for one or more pieces of laboratory instrumentation.
• 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. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a minimum of 2 years of experience in an industrial setting focused on the development of stable cell lines for vaccine and biotherapeutic candidates.
• Extensive hands-on experience with aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture for the purpose of generating clonally derived cell lines to produce monoclonal antibodies or vaccine candidates.
• Demonstrated ability to produce and screen hundreds of clonally derived CHO or 293 cell lines for top performers.
• Hands-on experience with multiple supporting technologies for cell line engineering including cell counting, high-throughput transfection, single-cell cloning/deposition, flow cytometry, automated liquid handling systems, and automated small-scale bioreactor systems.
• Expertise in designing and constructing plasmids for gene expression using molecular cloning methods.
• Ability to independently design experiments and work plans and manage project timelines for multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience preparing technical reports, SOPs, data presentations, and documents needed for technology transfer and regulatory filing.

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, push or pull more than 45 pounds, reach above shoulder level, and use both hands.
• Will be required to stand or walk more than 25 of 30 min., bend repeatedly, and kneel, crawl and climb.
• Must have depth perception, correctable near vision, and must be able to perform repetitive activities, and distinguish basic colors.
• Ability to work alone and closely with others, work in dust and excessive cold and noise, work in shifts, work protracted or irregular hours, work on slippery or uneven working surfaces, work around machinery with moving parts, and work with hands in water.
• 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, solvents, 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 respirator (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.