Biologist

CAMRIS • Bethesda, MD

2d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline. Two (2) years of specialized experience plus a BA/BS degree is equivalent to a Master’s degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in biology or a related field.
• Demonstrates knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
• Demonstrates knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures.
• Demonstrates experience working in a laboratory environment at a BSL2 level.
• Demonstrates experience in the rearing and maintenance of colonies of genetically modified Anopheline mosquitoes.
• Demonstrates technical experience in experiments designed to manipulate mosquito genetics.
• Demonstrates experience in implementing standard operating procedures for biosafety and containment of an insectary facility.
• Ability to lift or carry less than 25 pounds, push or pull less than 25 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, have correctable near vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and perform repetitive activities.
• Ability to work alone and closely with others, work in excessive heat, ability to work with hands in water, and work with solvents.
• Will be required to be in contact with small animals (mice, mosquitoes), human blood or other body fluids.
• Will work with 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.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for biosafety measures at the Twinbrook 3 Insectary Facility (TW3-IF) to protect researchers and staff from exposure to insect bites and vector-borne infectious agents.
• Responsible for the implementation of protocols and physical barriers to ensure the containment of mosquitoes at TW3-IF.
• Oversee researchers conducting experiments with infectious agents and maintain containment of mosquitoes harboring human pathogens (viruses and parasites) in the high-security area of TW3-IF.
• Maintain and manipulate mosquitoes infected with human pathogens in the biosafety section of the insectary.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance and manipulation of genetically modified mosquitoes.
• Develop SOPs for the morphological and molecular taxonomic identification of the various mosquito species reared in the insectary.
• Conduct regular taxonomic identification of mosquitoes to prevent cross-contamination between different species reared at TW3-IF.
• Assist with the experimental infection of mosquitoes with murine malaria parasites.
• Oversee the biosafety component of mosquito colony maintenance.
• Develop and implement SOPs for the production of various species and strains of Anopheline mosquitoes in a secure insectary.
• Perform laboratory quality control, including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment upon government approval. Handle biological materials, infectious agents, biological waste, and other tasks as required.
• Write reports detailing findings, methods, and procedures—including any modifications employed—specimens and materials involved, and experimental results. Interpret, evaluate, and discuss results with the project officer as appropriate for subsequent studies.
• Prepare various media, stock supplies, and other reagents for laboratory use.
• Ensure sufficient quantities of selected species and strains of Anopheles mosquitoes are available each week for experimental purposes.
• Perform a variety of complex procedures involving molecular biology techniques related to malaria parasites and the mosquitoes that transmit them. As these parasites are human pathogens, some procedures require work in a BSL-2 environment.
• Assist in preparing manuscripts for publication and performing literature searches for laboratory methodologies as needed.
• Maintain accurate daily records of experiments and results in bound laboratory notebooks and electronic databases. Make minor modifications or adaptations to established methods, procedures, and techniques to solve workplace problems.
• Assist post-baccalaureate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientific visitors in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment and specialized procedures and techniques.
• Collaborate with investigators on experiments to develop genetically modified lines of Anopheline mosquitoes.
• Develop and implement record-keeping systems to document the production of various mosquito lots.
• Discuss data and consult with external investigators as requested by the Federal Task Leader.
• Perform computer data analysis and use specialized software programs to prepare data for publication.
• Calibrate and operate various laboratory instruments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees