CLS - Lab Microbiology

Position Summary and Objectives This position supports research conducted in the NIH Clinical Center and NIAID biosafety level 4 laboratory, including translational studies of emerging viral pathogens. The scientist contributes to human and animal research on the pathogenesis and treatment of high‑consequence viral infections, performs virology and immunology assays under maximum containment, and interprets experimental results for the research team.
Technical Requirements Biosafety Level Four Laboratory Scientist
Technical support for the study of basic principles of animal life
Conduct translational human and animal research on the pathogenesis and treatment of high‑consequence emerging viral infections, including Ebola and Nipah virus
Perform virology and immunology assays in support of the laboratory’s translational research objectives
Support studies involving rodent and non‑human primate models, working within approved protocols governing animal care and use
Apply established molecular and cellular methods to characterize host response and pathogen behavior across experimental models
Laboratory experiments and procedures
Analyze experimental data and interpret results, writing reports and summaries of findings for the research team
Coordinate the work of biological technicians, technologists, and other scientists supporting laboratory operations
Develop and maintain proficiency working safely and effectively in a biosafety level four laboratory environment
Adhere to all containment, entry and exit, and decontamination procedures governing maximum containment work, and complete the training and medical surveillance requirements those procedures carry
Preparation, organization, and maintenance of laboratory samples, supplies, and equipment
Establish and maintain an accurate and reliable sample inventory, with specimen storage and accountability practices that withstand audit
Prepare, organize, and maintain laboratory samples, reagents, supplies, and equipment so that containment work proceeds without interruption
Track chain of custody for specimens and maintain documentation consistent with facility and program requirements
Coordinate equipment readiness, including calibration and maintenance scheduling, in cooperation with facility operations staff
Adoption of new laboratory techniques and procedures
Implement existing assays and assimilate new techniques related to virology and immunology as the research program evolves
Review relevant scientific literature to inform assay selection and experimental design
Documentation and reporting: meet weekly with laboratory members to present updates, prepare written summaries, maintain detailed records of methods and results for reproducibility
Specific Qualifications Master’s degree required in Microbiology or a closely related biological or life‑science discipline
Prior experience working in biosafety level 4 laboratories conducting virology and immunology assays
A history of careful, well‑documented bench work and reliable specimen record‑keeping
Required Software and Tools Familiarity with specimen storage and accountability systems, including laboratory inventory and sample tracking applications
Microsoft Office
Data analysis environments suitable for assay and experimental data, such as GraphPad Prism, R, or Python
Required Skills and Expertise Immunology assays
Basic and molecular virology
Specimen storage, inventory management, and accountability
Coordination of technical staff supporting laboratory operations
Other Requirements A Secret security clearance is required for this position
The schedule includes protracted or irregular hours, and coverage may be required on nights, weekends, and holidays. Telework is not authorized
The position involves contact with rodents, non‑human primates and their tissues, human blood and body fluids, radiation, and select agents, and requires the use of personal protective equipment including gloves, lab coat, safety glasses, face shields or goggles, and an impervious suit

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