Job Description

Biological Scientist Journeyman

Are you excited about influenza virus reverse genetics and vaccine development? Do you want to use and develop reverse genetics techniques to create recombinant viruses and develop new candidate virus vaccines (CVVs)? We are looking for a Biological Scientist Journeyman to join our laboratory immediately to conduct research in the field of virology and vaccine development with a focus on swine and avian influenza. The Biological Scientist Journeyman will contribute to the generation and validation of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) – Candidate Vaccine Viruses (CVVs) for delivery to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes the delivery of records and other quality documents and any other relevant information associated with the CVV.

Your work environment will be in the Disease Intervention & Prevention at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute. Texas Biomedical Research Institute is the only private, non-profit infectious disease research facility, providing high containment research capabilities (BSL3 & BSL4) alongside a National Primate Research Center. You will report to our collaborators Cherokee Nation Operational Solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory techniques including aseptic cell culture, plasmid preparation, electrophoresis, enzyme digestion, cell transfection, egg inoculation and harvest, generation of vaccine stocks, and QC testing.
• Analyze molecular data associated with virus replication, innate immune response, host challenge, and pathogenesis.
• Cloning or synthesizing the HA and NA genes into CDC-provided/approved reverse genetics vectors compatible for virus rescue and preparing high-quality plasmids in compliance with GLP regulations.
• Perform laboratory research to determine the optimal HA and NA constructs before rescuing each of the GLP-CVV.
• Perform a hemagglutination assay (HA) using turkey red blood cells to confirm the GLP-CVV stock.
• Perform an Egg Infectious Dose 50 (EID50) assay to confirm the GLP-CVV stock meets a minimum infectious titer that will be communicated when the information/materials are provided by CDC.
• Maintain GLP standards and accurate research documentation.
• Develop draft Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) in strict accordance with FDA’s 21 CFR 58 GLP regulations, including quality assurance qualification of all laboratory reagents.
• Prepare Batch Production Records (BPRs) and other quality documents.
• Review SOPs, BPRs, study reports, and all other related documents.
• Ensure laboratory operations, inventories, reagent management, and equipment calibration/maintenance always comply.
• Work with a great deal of independence in achieving research goals.
• Keep up to date with the latest literature; participate in group meetings to discuss findings.
• Willingness to work in teams, including those in the Disease Intervention & Prevention Program, Quality Control, and Quality Assessment teams, and with national and international collaborators.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Virology or Cell Biology required with 3+ years of experience with an active research record.
• Knowledge of propagation and adaptation of the influenza virus in embryonated chicken eggs.
• Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Virology or Cell Biology with an active research record is preferred.
• Ideal candidates would have training in basic virology techniques, including virus propagation in cell culture and embryonated chicken eggs, microscopy, cloning, and animal models of infection.
• At least two years of hands-on experience working with animals and egg-based viral propagation is highly preferred.
• Ability to follow strict protocols and regulations. Experience with GLP regulations and documentation is preferred.
• Great eagerness to solve scientific problems.
• Excellent time management, organizational skills, and good detail orientation.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Must pass the pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:

Cherokee Nation Operation Solutions (CNOS) provides support, services, and solutions to federal and commercial customers. The company takes a personalized approach to solving our clients' toughest challenges, helping you make the most of your skills. CNOS is part of Cherokee Federal – a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies. For more information, visit cherokee-federal.com.

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Cherokee Federal is a military-friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass the pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.