Research Technician

ICON plc • Blue Bell, MD

12d

About The Position

ICON is seeking a Research Technician IV to join the Structural Biology (XTAL) group in the Wound Infection Department at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. The department develops countermeasures for combat wound infections, while the XTAL group uses structure-based drug design to study microbial pathogens of military relevance. Its work includes expressing, purifying, and crystallizing pathogen proteins and using X-ray crystallography and mass spectrometry to model interactions between small molecules and proteins.

The role provides technical support across molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, X-ray crystallography, chromatography, and structure-function research. The technician conducts microbiological and molecular biological studies on bacterial pathogens in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories, carries out genetic analyses, cultures infectious agents, prepares sterile DNA samples, performs established assays, and documents and summarizes research results. The position also requires adherence to safety, biosafety, and security procedures, completion of required training and occupational examinations, and training in new methods and data analysis software as needed.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor of Science degree in an appropriate discipline, such as microbiology, immunology, or molecular biology.
• At least 7 years of related laboratory experience.
• Experience in biosafety level 2 environments and the ability to work safely in this laboratory environment.
• Ability to work with animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support in molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, X-ray crystallography, chromatographic systems, and structure-function research.
• Perform microbiological and molecular biological studies on bacterial pathogens of military relevance under biosafety level 2 and 3 conditions, including genetic and genotypic analyses.
• Perform genetic analysis techniques such as PFGE, SNP, VNTR, DNA sequencing, and PCR testing to support funded bacterial pathogen and bacteriophage research projects.
• Culture infectious agents for laboratory procedures and prepare pure, sterile DNA samples from microbial agents in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories.
• Perform established tests to identify characteristics of microbial agents, including PCR assays, plasmid profiles, biochemical tests, and immunodiagnostic tests.
• Follow established protocols when performing microbiological and molecular biological assays.
• Organize and tabulate study results and prepare data summaries.
• Maintain accurate research records, including a laboratory notebook compliant with standards for replicability and WRAIR/Army regulations.
• Maintain a safe workplace by observing safety and occupational health rules, attending relevant safety training, and reporting safety infractions to the facility Safety Officer.
• Complete required safety, biosafety, and security training.
• Obtain required annual occupational physical examinations, serologic tests, and security clearances for work in department biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories.
• Complete specialized training in new methods and procedures as needed, including use of data analysis software.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-related incentives.
• Health and wellbeing programs, including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable.
• Retirement and pension plans.
• Life assurance and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance programs and wellbeing resources.
• Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior