Scientist 1 – Automation & Assay Development

Chenega Corporation•Frederick, MD

1d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

Come join a company that strives for Extraordinary People and Exceptional Performance! Chenega Professional and Technical Services, LLC., a Chenega Professional Services’ company, is looking for a Scientist 1 – Automation & Assay Development. The Scientist 1 will provide robotic liquid handling automation and scientific assay development support to the Therapeutics Discovery Center (TDC). This role supports research in BSL‑2 environments, with potential work in BSL‑3 and BSL‑4 settings requiring BPRP program enrollment. The Scientist 1 will conduct basic and applied research on infectious disease threats, execute high‑throughput screening assays, support therapeutic discovery programs, maintain laboratory operations, and analyze data in support of medical countermeasure (MCM) development. Our company offers employees the opportunity to join a team where there is a robust employee benefits program, management engagement, quality leadership, an atmosphere of teamwork, recognition for performance, and promotion opportunities. We actively strive to channel our highly engaged employee’s knowledge, critical thinking, and determination to innovate scalable solutions for our clients.

Requirements

Experience working in BSL‑2 labs and willingness to work in BSL‑3/BSL‑4 environments after required enrollment.
Proficiency with automated liquid handling platforms (Beckman Biomek, PerkinElmer Janus, Viaflo/Viafill, Multidrop Combi, HP dispensers).
Experience conducting enzymatic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitoxin assays.
Familiarity with therapeutic small molecules and compound management.
Experience using Spotfire and Genedata for data analysis.
Strong technical writing and scientific communication skills.
Eligibility and willingness to maintain BPRP enrollment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in BSL‑3 or BSL‑4 conditions.
Prior experience supporting medical countermeasure development.
Experience presenting at scientific conferences.
Knowledge of laboratory compliance and quality systems.
Ability to perform molecular biology techniques supporting assay development.
Ability to write automation workflows for high‑throughput screening assays.
Ability to secure and maintain security clearance and enrollment in the Bio surety Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP).

Responsibilities

Assist in the development, execution, and evaluation of high‑throughput in vitro screening projects across antibacterial, antiviral, and antitoxin therapeutic areas.
Support screening of molecular compound libraries for therapeutic efficacy.
Perform in vitro assays including enzymatic assays, cell‑based phenotypic and reporter assays, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays, and plaque assays.
Set up and perform enzymatic assays such as kinases, proteases, and related systems.
Operate automated liquid handling systems such as Beckman Biomek, PerkinElmer Janus, Viaflo, Viafill, Multidrop Combi, and HP dispensers.
Write new workflows and scripts for automation instruments to support new high‑throughput screening assays and combination studies.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and assess robotic instruments and coordinate supply needs with division resources.
Perform basic molecular biology techniques to support development of novel cell‑based or enzymatic assays.
Maintain orderly, compliant laboratory spaces in accordance with relevant regulatory guidance.
Conduct data analysis using platforms such as Spotfire and Genedata.
Prepare technical reports, SOPs, manuscripts, and other scientific documentation.
Present research findings internally at lab meetings and weekly scientific discussions, and externally at one scientific conference annually.
Prepare a monthly Therapeutic Screening Scientific Research Technical Progress Report.
Maintain BPRP enrollment and adhere to all related regulations.
Other duties as assigned