Biologist

We are seeking a Biologist 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.  

• Experiments: Following training and receipt of standard operation procedures, independently perform experimental assays using tissue and cell culture, viruses, and primary human samples. Perform immunological and virological techniques including virus amplification and concentration, neutralizing antibody assays, flow cytometry, ELISAs, RT-qPCR, western blots, and blood and cell processing and counting. Assist other lab members with developing standard operating procedures for immunological and virological techniques, both working with others and independently. Additionally, assist with routine maintenance of cell culture lines (such as: Vero, C6/36, K562 cells) and preparation of general reagents needed for experimental work (such as: aliquoting antibodies, preparing overlay medium).
• Scientific results and timelines: Maintain detailed physical and digital records of assays and data, including in a digital laboratory notebook and in relevant databases. Develop streamlined methods for analyzing routine data, e.g., with Excel and Prism templates, with feedback from the Federal Task Leader. Assist with analyzing and reporting on experimental results in a timely manner, especially for time-sensitive requirements for ongoing clinical trials and adhering to agreed upon timelines for projects. Meet regularly (every 1-2 weeks) with the Task Leader to report on results and progress. Assist with preparing experimental data for reports and publication.
• Sample collection and organization: Collect and coordinate clinical and biospecimen sample collection from the NIH Clinical Center and other sources for processing samples, including preparing serum, plasma, and primary cells. Provide biorepository management, including receiving, organizing, logging, distributing, and shipping specimens and reagents.
• Ordering, maintenance and inventories: Provide laboratory upkeep, including requesting quotes and submitting purchase requests for laboratory supplies and equipment, monitoring the inventory of lab supplies, and maintaining laboratory equipment. Organize laboratory upkeep, including developing and maintaining inventories and organizing laboratory supplies and equipment including chemicals, biological materials, carcinogens, recombinant protein materials, acids, biological wastes, etc.
• Animal work: Support animal facility technicians and protocol principal investigator in managing our ongoing animal protocols to perform antibody discover work. This includes careful understanding of the protocol, coordinating to ensure protocol SOP is followed, and collecting, processing, and analyzing samples (such as RT-qPCR, neutralization assays). 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences is required.
• 2 years of work experience post degree in a research laboratory setting is required.
• Experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory is preferred.
• Ability to conduct high-quality experiments, including dexterity in pipetting and applying Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles to characterize and analyze specimens.
• Professional verbal and written communication.
• Ability and willingness to work on a team.
• Timeliness in conducting and reporting on experimental results.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours when needed.
• Satisfactory US government background check and security clearance. On the job completion of required trainings including for purchasing, shipment of biological materials, and ethical requirements for clinical study protocols.

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, push or pull less than 25 pounds, reach above shoulder level, and use both hands.
• Must have correctable near vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to perform repetitive activities.
• Ability to work alone and closely with others, and work protracted or irregular hours.
• Will be required to be in contact with small animals (fish birds, rodents, etc.), nonhuman primate tissues, human blood or other body fluids, and patients/human subjects.
• Will work with corrosive substances, solvents and sensitizing agents.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, face shields/goggles, safety glasses, safety shoes, 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.