Scientific Manager I - Influenza Immunology (VICD)

Job ID: req4547

Employee Type: exempt full-time

Division: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate

Facility: Frederick: ATRF

Location: 8560 Progress Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) has a primary mission to provide scientific leadership and laboratory infrastructure to study immune responses to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and other cancer preventive strategies in the context of preclinical and clinical studies. As of recent and part of a large effort, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) and other stakeholders are developing vaccines with durable protection for seasonal influenza virus. VICD is leading the development of immunoassays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against the virus and vaccine.

VICD is recruiting for a Scientific Manager I to lead and manage a new high impact laboratory that will develop and implement validated immunoassays to be utilized in clinical trial studies, within an internationally recognized research directorate. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working under the Good Clinical Laboratory Practices, with deep understanding of the immunology of influenza viruses or other respiratory viruses infections and vaccines, and with the ability to design and develop new assays to investigate immune responses to infection and vaccines. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape new scientific directions within a mission-driven environment that integrates new assay development, translational research, and clinical evaluation of new preventive strategies.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) is recruiting for a Scientific Manager to manage a laboratory team that will develop, standardize, and validate a variety of new serology and cellular immunity assays, and conduct sample testing within critical trials.

Manages all laboratory activities of a scientific unit at VICD, following GCLP requirements
In collaboration with laboratory leadership, leads the development, standardization and validation of new and existing immune assays for different antigens of viral pathogens
Conducts research and development activities using state-of-the-art technologies, for evaluating humoral and cellular immune responses, in collaboration with scientific partners, including government, academic centers and other organizations
Designs and oversees studies from beginning to end driving studies to timely completion
Reviews, analyzes and interprets complex immunological data
Manages project risk by proactively anticipating issues and developing contingency plans and solutions
Responsible for development and writing of SOPs, SOPs, protocols, manuals, manuscripts and other publications
Develops strategies to meet scientific objectives with efficiency and within budget
Interfaces with government officials, both scientific and administrative, at varying levels of leadership and responsibility to coordinate logistical support for assigned projects/programs
Evaluates personnel performance and needs to ensure efficient laboratory functions
Collaborates with leadership to develop budget for the scientific unit
Collaborates with VICD leadership for funding and future project planning
Performs other related duties as assigned by laboratory leadership (i.e. Manager/Director)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

This position may be filled with a Scientific Manager I commensurate with the selected candidates experience. To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

Possession of a PhD degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience, including two (2) years of experience in a leadership/manager capacity
Demonstrates a deep knowledge of viral immunology, in particular influenza immunology
Proven ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments
Strong technical expertise in development, validation and implementation of advanced immunological assays, including ELISA and antibody-based serological assays, such as for avidity and isotype characterization, Multiplex platforms (e.g., Luminex), using high-throughput immunogenicity testing systems
Experience in performing T-cell and B-cell epitope mapping and T-cell and B-cell functional analyses, using multi-color flow cytometry and other technologies
Proficiency in multicolor or spectral flow cytometry, including panel design, acquisition, and high-dimensional analysis.
Experience in cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western-blot, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCR
Oversight of complex experimental workflows involving flow cytometry and advanced cell culture systems
Maintains current knowledge of emerging relevant scientific literature and immune profiling technologies
Ensures assay rigor, reproducibility, and compliance with GCLP/GLP standards where applicable
Flexibility to adopt new emerging techniques and technologies and to troubleshoot effectively
Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion
Ability to prioritize multiple projects effectively and meet timelines successfully
Experience with managing and analyzing large data sets and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data
Excellent record keeping and organizational skills
Exceptional critical thinking and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility
Proficient in Word, Excel, PPT
Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral)
In addition to a commitment to excellence in operations, the position requires leadership skills and a commitment to the mission
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

Demonstrated experience working with government contracts, particularly Task Orders, NIH, NCI, or NIAID
Experience supporting or leading immunology components of clinical trials, including multi-omics projects
Familiarity with integrated immune profiling approaches combining serological, cellular, and molecular data
Experience with robotics and electronic documentation systems and LIMS
Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA
Familiarity with human research subject requirements and regulations

JOB HAZARDS

This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here

103,100.00 - 147,767.00 USD

The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data.

The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions

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Scientific Manager I - Influenza Immunology (VICD)

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