Research Technician (Level II)

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group•Silver Spring, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Odyssey Systems is currently seeking a Research Technician (Level II) to support research programs and projects within the Wound Infection Department’s Bacteriophage Therapeutics (BT) group at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). Responsibilities Duties include, but not limited to: Perform research on phage therapeutics for microbial pathogens of military relevance and animal testing (a minimum of five studies or as required). Assist in the development of phage cocktails for the treatment of the ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcusspecies, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli). Perform assays to include but not limited to genetic analysis PCR assays, plasmid profiles, biochemical and immunodiagnostic tests, mass spectrometry and organize and tabulate results of studies and prepare data summaries. Maintain accurate and appropriate research records including maintaining a laboratory notebook compliant with standards of laboratory work (replicability) and with WRAIR/Army regulations. Analyze and report experimental results from each technical research support area to stakeholders and leaders. Information regarding this analysis and report shall be included in the monthly report. Maintain department phage inventory and microbial pathogen strain repository and derivative sample inventories. Work closely with other Government and Contractor personnel to plan, develop, and gain approval of human use protocols as required for the performance of tasks. Maintain laboratory operation to include insuring stocks of laboratory supplies and reagents, ordering supplies and preparing supply requests for approval, annual inventory of micro-organisms, annually updating of technical research support area SOPs, maintaining a supply of clean glassware, properly disposing of hazardous biological and chemical waste, preparing reagents, and maintaining an inventory of laboratory chemicals, orderliness and cleanliness. Maintain a safe workplace ensuring that he/she is aware of and observes appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations. Employee is required to complete safety training relative to his/her position and report any infractions of safety procedures to the COR and facility Safety Officer. Assist in preparation and proper execution of animal use protocols. Obtain required annual occupational physical examinations and serologic tests and any required security clearances for work in department laboratories. Take part in specialized training in new methods and procedures, as needed.

Requirements

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen
Clearance : Ability to Obtain NACI
Education: B.S. in Microbiology or related field with experience in a BSL-2 environment. Training in basic sterile techniques required.
Years’ experience: Minimum 2 years in a biological laboratory setting

Nice To Haves

Clearance : NACI
Education: M.S. in Microbiology or related field; experience with Bacteriophage assays and methodologies.
Years’ experience: 4+ years
Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills, ability to problem-solve, multitasking and attention to detail

Responsibilities

Perform research on phage therapeutics for microbial pathogens of military relevance and animal testing (a minimum of five studies or as required).
Assist in the development of phage cocktails for the treatment of the ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcusspecies, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli).
Perform assays to include but not limited to genetic analysis PCR assays, plasmid profiles, biochemical and immunodiagnostic tests, mass spectrometry and organize and tabulate results of studies and prepare data summaries.
Maintain accurate and appropriate research records including maintaining a laboratory notebook compliant with standards of laboratory work (replicability) and with WRAIR/Army regulations.
Analyze and report experimental results from each technical research support area to stakeholders and leaders. Information regarding this analysis and report shall be included in the monthly report.
Maintain department phage inventory and microbial pathogen strain repository and derivative sample inventories.
Work closely with other Government and Contractor personnel to plan, develop, and gain approval of human use protocols as required for the performance of tasks.
Maintain laboratory operation to include insuring stocks of laboratory supplies and reagents, ordering supplies and preparing supply requests for approval, annual inventory of micro-organisms, annually updating of technical research support area SOPs, maintaining a supply of clean glassware, properly disposing of hazardous biological and chemical waste, preparing reagents, and maintaining an inventory of laboratory chemicals, orderliness and cleanliness.
Maintain a safe workplace ensuring that he/she is aware of and observes appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations. Employee is required to complete safety training relative to his/her position and report any infractions of safety procedures to the COR and facility Safety Officer.
Assist in preparation and proper execution of animal use protocols.
Obtain required annual occupational physical examinations and serologic tests and any required security clearances for work in department laboratories.
Take part in specialized training in new methods and procedures, as needed.