Scientist I

Scientist I

Job ID: req3805
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: AIDS & Cancer Virus Program
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and 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 AIDS and Cancer Virus Program (ACVP) at Frederick National Lab is an integrated, multidisciplinary program that performs cutting-edge research in an effort to improve our understanding of AIDS-associated disease, including studies intended to facilitate the improved diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HIV infection and AIDS. The Program consists of several research Sections headed by Principal Investigators, whose work spans from fundamental molecular virology and in vitro studies to in vivo studies in non-human primate (NHP) models, as well as Research Support Cores that provide critical and often unique technical support capabilities to ACVP laboratories and other laboratories within the intramural and extramural research communities.
KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful Scientist I candidate will join the Viral Persistence Section, a dynamic and collaborative research Section under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Del Prete. Our laboratory specializes in the development and application of nonhuman primate (NHP) models of HIV infection and AIDS, with an emphasis on studies designed to improve our understanding of viral persistence during suppressive combination antiretroviral therapy and to evaluate proposed approaches to eliminate or control residual sources of infectious virus. We are seeking a talented, hardworking scientist with a demonstrated track record of effectively conducting research on viral infections within the central nervous system (CNS) to advance efforts to develop and employ NHP models of AIDS virus infection within the CNS.

Specific responsibilities for the successful candidate will include:

• Independently design and conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments
• Generate and critically analyze and interpret data
• Effectively communicate and coordinate with ACVP core labs and collaborators to ensure successful execution of research projects
• Participate in regular internal group meetings and discussions
• Draft manuscripts for publication of research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present research findings at regional and international meetings
• Other duties as assigned

The Scientist I will be expected to envision, plan, perform, and present study results at internal and external meetings. The successful candidate will be a diligent, careful, thoughtful scientist capable of thriving in a team environment. The successful candidate will be expected both to capably design, plan, and conduct lab experiments directly, as well develop and coordinate collaborative NHP animal studies. Furthermore, the candidate will be expected to carefully and critically analyze and interpret study data and prepare primary manuscript drafts and presentations to publicly communicate our research findings.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of a PhD degree in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience or a related field from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or eight (8) years of related experience. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• No experience required with a PhD degree
• Ability to understand and analyze data from complex experimental designs
• Demonstrated track record of scientific achievement, including publication of completed work, in areas related to viral infections within the central nervous system
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Prior experience with animal models, particularly nonhuman primate models
• Prior experience studying HIV/SIV biology
• Prior experience studying HIV-1 infection within the central nervous system
• Basic knowledge of central nervous system anatomy and biology

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a respirator, requiring a medical clearance
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s)
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations

Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, 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.

#readytowork