Scientist II - Influenza Research

Title : Scientist II - Influenza Research
Location : Silver Spring, MD
Status : Full Time
Salary Range : $95,000 - $105,000

Position Summary :

To obtain a Scientist II who would support the work performed in the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Office of Compliance and Biologics Quality, Division of Biological Standards and Quality Control (DBSQC) with the goal to produce reference reagents that will be used for testing the potency of pandemic influenza vaccines.

Duties/Responsibilities :

• Culture influenza virus in eggs or cells
  • Candle and incubate chicken eggs for virus production
  • Inoculate eggs with influenza virus and harvest allantoic fluid
  • Maintain cell cultures
  • Inoculate cells with influenza virus and harvest supernatants
  • Perform hemagglutination assays to assess the presence of influenza virus
• Purify influenza virus
  • Inactivate influenza virus and perform tests to demonstrate inactivation
  • Concentrate virus by high speed centrifugation or filtration
  • Purify virus by centrifugation on sucrose gradients
• Participate in measuring the amount of virus
  • Assist in calibration of reagents by performing single radial immunodiffusion assays
  • Provide tabulated data or figures in excel or powerpoint to Scientists preparing reports
  • Perform assays to measure protein concentration
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment
  • Complete Laboratory safety training
  • Aid in general maintenance of the laboratory by working with other members of staff to keep the laboratory clean
  • Perform eye wash and other routine checks to ensure lab safety
  • Replenish supplies from stocks as needed
• Maintain thorough and complete government-owned records of work performed in hard copy laboratory notebooks, as well as in electronic versions of data.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements :

• Have at minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree with record of excellent grades in biology and/or other scientific disciplines
• Have at least 4+ years of experience in laboratory bench work, acquired either during formal education or post-graduation.
• Excellent understanding of laboratory safety practices
• Adept in using basic Microsoft Office programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
• Excellent ability to follow instructions written or spoken in English
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to receive seasonal influenza vaccination

Benefits:

KIC offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees including: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401k with Match, Life and ADD Coverage, Short and Long Term Disability, Paid Time Off and Holidays, Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Discount Program, and more!

Apply online at our website:

Disclaimer:

This is not to be an exclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the person in this job. KIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to KIC Shareholders and their Descendants. Successful candidates must adhere to KIC's Drug and Alcohol policy/testing requirements and may be required to pass a background and/or Motor Vehicle Records check. The salary range for this position is based on several factors, including relevant experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.