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.  

Method development

• Establish best practices in conducting complex multi-parameter flow cytometry experiments through experimentation and testing of different methods and protocols.
• Evaluate and test fluorescent reagents available from commercial vendors and advise on their use.
• Identify and implement new flow cytometry-related technologies to enhance VRC’s capabilities in deep profiling immune cells.
• Explore and be familiar with analytical tools available to conduct high-dimension data analysis.
• Develop protocols for sorting infectious samples, ensuring compliance with international safety standards.

Training

• Conduct routine basic and advanced training and educational efforts on flow cytometry methods and applications for researchers and collaborators, including safety and technical workshops for analyzers and cell sorters.
• Train staff and users on new equipment and ensure new equipment performs up to the existing standards and tolerances.
• Ensure that best practices in flow cytometry are implemented and educate FCC staff and VRC users accordingly.
• Work with VRC PIs to develop flow cytometric protocols, data analysis, and data presentation to ensure the highest level of quality.
  

Operations

• Support cell sorting projects with well-documented quality procedures and practices.
• Engage in risk assessment program for all active cell sorting projects and advise researchers accordingly.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot issues, and update procedural manuals and methods for the FCC cell sorting facility. Analyze laboratory testing reports and maintain detailed logs of all work-related activities.
• Identify and address unexpected test discrepancies, recommending solutions. Interface with researchers, suppliers, reference labs, and equipment personnel to support operational needs.

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related biomedical research field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in flow cytometry and immunology.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing cutting-edge flow cytometry techniques.
• Experience in providing supervised and unsupervised single cell data analysis solutions for high-parameter flow cytometry.
• Experience in setting up immunophenotyping pipelines for high-dimensional flow cytometry.
• Experience in working within a core/shared resource facility preferred.
• Strong collaboration and effective communication skills.
• All support positions required a minimum of a BS degree; some require a MS, MD, or Ph.D.
• The education, skills and relevant years of experience required for each support position are consistent with those identified as the minimum requirements for the labor categories specified in the contract.

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.
• Must have depth perception, have correctable near vision, and ability to distinguish basic colors.
• Ability to work alone and closely with others.
• Will be required to be in contact with nonhuman primate tissues, human blood and other body fluids, and class 1-4 lasers (open or closed).
• 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, disposable dust/surgical mask, and respirator (powered air purified respirator (PAPR)).

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.