Virology and Infectious Disease Research Scientist

Precise Systems, Inc.•Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

70d•$76,709 - $120,001•Onsite

About The Position

Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future. Precise Systems seeks a Virologist/Infectious Disease Research Scientist to develop methods to detect known, unknown, and emerging infectious human disease pathogens for field deployment. The candidate will also be tasked with characterization and threat assessment of emerging infectious disease pathogens, including viruses. DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center (CBC) is the primary Department of War technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense.

Requirements

M.S. in Virology, Microbiology, Microbial Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or a related field
5 years' experience in standard microbiological methods for cell lysis, DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, DNA/RNA library preparation, and DNA/RNA library sequencing execution.
Experience and ability to be cleared for work in BSL3 and BSAT spaces.
Shall demonstrate proficiency in a biological laboratory environment (BSL-3), a willingness to learn new skills and methods, and solid technical communications skills.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Virology, Microbiology, Microbial Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or a related field
Previous experience in BPRP or working with hazardous biological materials is highly preferred.
Previous experience working in a laboratory environment with hazardous biological or hazardous waste management.
Previous experience supporting research and/or testing of CBRN protection commodities.

Responsibilities

Develop methods to detect known, unknown, and emerging infectious human disease pathogens for field deployment.
Characterization and threat assessment of emerging infectious disease pathogens, including viruses.
Skilled in cell culture, viral growth, and virological techniques (plaque assays, TCID50s, neutralization assays).
Collaborate with a team to design, test, and deliver rapid, facile methods for identifying DNA and RNA pathogens using untargeted sequencing.
Develop detection methods in the laboratory, optimize and streamline them for field use, troubleshoot processes and equipment, train and prepare for field demonstrations.
Execute standard microbiological methods for cell lysis, DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, DNA/RNA library preparation, and DNA/RNA library sequencing execution.
Utilize Oxford Nanopore MiniION/GridION/PromethION and Illumina MiSeq platforms.
Execute standard microbiological techniques to perform cell lysis for DNA/RNA extractions, nucleic acid purification, DNA/RNA library preparation, and DNA/RNA library sequencing execution utilizing the Oxford Nanopore MinION and/or GridION.
Develop workflows, optimize and streamline for use in field environments, and troubleshoot processes and equipment to train and prepare for field demonstrations.
The laboratory is well supported, with unique capabilities, and opportunities for publication and presentations.