Biological Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Biological Scientist

ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST, FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT GROUP

National Institutes of Health / National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

RJIT Solutions is an information technology and bioscience company that specializes in providing innovative solutions in biomedical research and data science. We serve healthcare organizations by leveraging the expertise of our team in science, software engineering, and program/project management. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted partner of top research organizations, including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). At RJIT Solutions, we combine the agility of a small business with the comprehensive capabilities of a large organization to accelerate research and enhance decision-making processes in healthcare and research sectors. As part of our unrelenting focus on quality and compliance, RJIT Solutions' delivery is based on Certified Matured Processes including CMMI L3 SVC, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, and ISO 9001 quality processes.

Place of Performance: NIAID, 9 West Watkins Mill Road, Room 264, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Position Summary and Objectives: The Associate Scientist supports the Formulation Development Group at NIAID, executing formulation and stability studies for vaccine and biotherapeutic candidates under the direction of the federal task leader. The position combines hands-on analytical bench work with the analytical judgment to interpret biophysical data and the communication skill to present findings to project development teams. The role calls for independent execution of both standard and study-specific analytical methods, ownership of laboratory instrumentation upkeep, and clear technical writing in the form of stability protocols and study reports.

Technical Requirements: Associate Scientist, Formulation Development Group

Technical support for formulation and stability studies

• Execute formulation and stability studies, including coordination of analytical sample generation and testing, under the direction of the federal task leader.
• Coordinate and execute formulation development studies supporting vaccine and biotherapeutic characterization.
• Apply knowledge of the structural properties of proteins to inform formulation strategy and interpret stability outcomes.
• Support the evaluation of candidate formulations across relevant storage and stress conditions.

Laboratory experiments and analytical methods

• Independently generate and analyze samples using both standard and advanced study-specific analytical methods.
• Perform biophysical characterization using techniques such as UV-visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism, and infrared spectroscopy; differential scanning calorimetry; and particle characterization by light scattering, HIAC, and micro-flow imaging.
• Evaluate analytical results for quality and consistency, and identify sources of variability that warrant follow-up.
• Contribute to bioanalytical method development in support of ongoing formulation work.

Preparation, organization, and maintenance of laboratory samples, supplies, and equipment

• Coordinate external service and execute routine maintenance and troubleshooting for one or more pieces of laboratory instrumentation.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain laboratory samples, reagents, supplies, and equipment so that study timelines are met without interruption.
• Maintain instrument logs and qualification records consistent with laboratory practice.

Data analysis, reporting, and communication

• Independently analyze and collate analytical data in collaboration with a project development team.
• Present data in small group and department settings.
• Write and review routine stability study protocols under the direction of a Formulation Scientist or Senior Scientist.
• Write and review technical reports documenting formulation, stability, and method development studies.

Adoption of new laboratory techniques and procedures

• Learn and apply new analytical techniques and procedures as the development program advances.
• Review relevant scientific and technical literature to inform method selection and study design.

Specific Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline is required. Relevant fields of study include Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration.
• A minimum of one (1) year of industry, government, or equivalent experience in protein formulation or a related field; a Master's thesis may fulfill this requirement.
• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas: protein and vaccine formulation, protein and vaccine stability, biophysical characterization, or bioanalytical development.
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following techniques: UV-visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism, or infrared spectroscopy; differential scanning calorimetry; or particle characterization by light scattering, HIAC, or micro-flow imaging.
• Knowledge of the structural properties of proteins.

Required Software and Tools:

• Data analysis using standard software platforms, including Excel, GraphPad Prism, and SigmaPlot.
• Instrument acquisition and control software associated with spectroscopy, calorimetry, and particle characterization systems.
• Microsoft Office.

Required Skills and Expertise:

• Ability to work independently.
• Good written, oral, and visual communication skills.
• Good time management skills.
• Biophysical and bioanalytical characterization of proteins and vaccines.

Other Requirements:

• Telework may be authorized if approved by the Task Leader, COR, and the Contracting Officer.