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.  

• Transfer methods to team members and inform members of proper equipment use.
• Schedule sample processing.
• Follow approved SOPs to complete specimen processing of clinical blood samples in an organized, aseptic, high-throughput manner.
• Uphold rapid turn-around times of specimen samples by effectively utilizing resources while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
• Adjust quickly to changes in schedule as clinical trial volunteers blood draw time or date changes.
• Follow GCLP guidelines and maintain records for each specimen processed.
• Place and remove specimens from appropriate biorepository freezers.
• Organize and pull samples for transfer to off-site biorepository storage facilities.
• Maintain proper chain of custody for clinical samples.
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a BSL-2 laboratory.
• Work collaboratively with team members to complete all tasks for the day but also be accountable as an individual for personal tasks.
• Investigate new technologies and workflows to improve sample processing throughput.
• Aid in the maintenance of repository accuracy to include regular inventory checks, proper labeling of samples, and sample re-labeling as needed.
• Generate regular reports to reflect workload metrics and process investigations.
• Utilize various laboratory equipment such as Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC), centrifuge, pipettes, liquid nitrogen tank, and others.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance as needed.
• Competence in VIP’s LIMS including: entering samples, editing aliquot numbers, creating pull lists, and checking samples out.
• Work with dry ice, freezers, and liquid nitrogen tanks to store clinical samples, while always wearing appropriate PPE.
• Sustains close and effective communications with VIP management and external collaborators.
• Write and revise SOPs within VIP’s electronic database.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• BS with 5+ years of experience with 2+ years in a leadership role in a BSL-2 laboratory, processing blood specimens.
• Experience coordinating sample processing and generating process workflow procedures.
• IT skills such that candidate knows or can quickly learn to utilize LIMS, EDMS, Microsoft Office, etc.
• Ability to work well with others and independently.
• Ideal, but not required: experience in a GCLP environment and IATA infectious substance A and B shipping certification.
• Leadership – Able to get results through others and work with a diverse team.
• Proactive Problem Solving – Anticipates potential issues and innovates to resolve them.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Detail oriented while performing laboratory tasks.
• Ability to perform under time constraints and meet deadlines.
• Follows directions and protocols without deviations.

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, ability to distinguish basic colors, and perform repetitive activities.
• Ability to work alone and closely with others, work on shifts, and work with solvents.
• Will be required to be in contact with human blood or other body fluids.
• Will have contact with 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.