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Senior Scientist - Infectious Disease Research

Employer
Southern Research
Location
Irondale, AL
Closing date
Jul 10, 2022

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Sector
Science, Doctors, Infectious Disease
Organization Type
Corporate
SENIOR SCIENTIST - INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH

General Summary

The Senior Scientist functions as a subject matter expert within the organization and has oversight of the scientific elements to ensure successful completion and/or implementation. This position analyzes and reports results for publication or to sponsor; provides instruction to other members of the project team; and collaborates with other senior members of the staff on projects/research. Highest level of individual contributor. Knowledgeable of emerging trends and may contribute to and influence best practice within discipline.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Perform role of Study Director (SD) and Scientific Subject Matter Expert (SME) of influenza and other viral diseases such as COVID-19, Zika and Dengue on commercial or large government contracts and grants.
  • In vivo and in vitro experimental study design for vaccines and therapeutics and interact with clients.
  • Directs in vivo and/or in vitro studies and oversees assay development/validation and other experiments conducted in Operations.
  • Partners with Business Development, Project Management, and Proposals to ensure successful client engagement, proposal development, study execution, and deliverables upon study completion.
  • In collaboration with the marketing support function in DDV, responsible for new pipeline development under IR&D funding.
  • Within defined policies and procedures, provides resolution to complex scientific problems within a specified program.
  • May serve as Pl on large government contract(s).
  • Participates in all required Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) training.
  • Works closely with Study Coordinator and/or Project Manager as Technical SME on assigned projects and will interface with client's scientific staff as appropriate.
  • May assume the role of SD or Principal Investigator (PI) on commercial and government contracts.
  • Develops assays; completes study designs for infectious disease In Vitro and/or In Vivo studies.
  • Oversees and serves as a technical advisor for lab operations to execute assay development and validation experiments.
  • Writes study protocols and validation plans.
  • Supports troubleshooting assay issues in validation and sample analysis.
  • Participates in proposal generation and performs scientific/technical review.
  • Follows GLP practices to ensure all experimental data, including observations of unanticipated responses are accurately recorded and verified.
  • Ensures compliance to all regulatory and safety requirements for work with select agents.
  • Observes appropriate safety and study requirements by reading, understanding, and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), GLP requirements, and study protocols.
  • Accountable for some level of revenue generation.
  • Data analysis and prepare study reports

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in life sciences discipline plus at least 4 years' relevant experience.
  • Proven track record of leading large government or commercial proposal generation and securement of funding.
  • Has advanced the field of knowledge in his/her specialty. Work directly impacts the present or future of the organization in significant ways.
  • Broad experience in influenza research with in vitro and in vivo models is preferred.
  • Additional experience in other viral diseases such as COVID-19, Dengue and Zika
  • Deep understanding and experience with viral in vitro assays such as TCID50, viral propagation in cell culture, HA, HAI, plaque assay, FRNT, PRNT, MNT assays.
  • Immunogenicity and efficacy testing in Animal models such as mice, ferrets, hamsters, monkeys
  • Assessment of viral shedding and viral load in different organs by TCID50 and qRT-PCR
  • Presentation and statistical analysis of data
  • Proficient in assay development/qualification and directing/mentoring validation methodologies for clinical trial support in a GLP environment.
  • Must demonstrate full competency under regulated environment (e.g. GLP, BSL-3/SA).
  • Ability to work in A/BSL-1, 2, and 3 environments.
  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
  • As a Federal contractor, Southern Research may be required to comply with a Federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate. In that event, Southern Research will require that all newly hired employees show proof of full COVID vaccination or authorized exemption prior to their start date.

Work Environment & Conditions

This position is in a laboratory environment (A/BSL 1, 2, & 3) and requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including (but not limited to):
  • Eye protection (Safety glasses and/or full face shield)
  • Respirator (varies based on tasks and barrier requirements)
  • Tyvek/scrub suits
  • Nitrile (or equivalent) gloves (varies based on tasks)
  • Hearing protection (varies based on tasks)

Immunizations are required for this position and are determined by the study/agent. Some examples include Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Smallpox, Polio, and Influenza.

Physical Demands

This position requires the following physical abilities including (but not limited to):
  • Performing work with utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
  • Standing for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

No certifications are required; however, training includes Good Laboratory Practices and annual training on safe handling of viruses. Radiation safety training may be required depending upon the assays utilized.

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