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Job Description:

Research Scientist I (VPB)

Parsons is seeking a Research Scientist to support Vector and Parasite Biology (VPB) Department at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). VPB maintains capacity in both primary research and vector and parasite production services which provides a wide array of collaborators with insects, vector-borne disease pathogens, and infected mosquitoes to consolidate and harmonize the labor, infrastructure and material-intensive processes of insect husbandry and pathogen propagation into one core facility that services all of WRAIR and NMRC, plus others within the US government and academia. All capabilities are focused on development of vector-borne disease interventions (including vaccines and drugs) vector & vector-borne disease surveillance, and vector control.

Duties:

- Maintain cell culture laboratory capabilities to support the in vitro cultivation of cells and/or parasites. Perform pathogen-cell infections and cell-transfections.

- Support the establishment and maintenance of molecular laboratory capabilities using high-throughput technologies to conduct molecular genotyping of pathogens and vectors via PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, RNASeq, single cell, transcriptomic and proteomic tools.

- Maintain and update current SOPs as well develop new SOPs.

- Support the implementation and maintenance of immunological laboratory capabilities. The technical approaches may include flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy and cell-labelling tools.

- Support the cultivation of mammalian cells for the expression of recombinant products based on parasite- or vector antigens. Maintain cell cultures that might require working during weekends. The candidate shall support the purification of recombinant products produced (proteins and antibodies).

- Harvest insects and animals tissues for molecular and immunological analysis. Vector samples may include midgut, salivary glands, expectorated vector saliva and hemolymph. Animal tissues may include liver, spleen and blood from infected mammalian hosts.

- Conduct research independently, help design experiments, and support data analyses and interpretation. The candidate shall provide a follow-up report to the department chief or lab manager.

- Prepare scientific manuscripts and deliver oral presentations.

- Support the research conducted by different Entomology branch laboratories, including cultivation of malaria parasites, colonization of mosquitoes and animal studies using mouse, rabbit, guinea pigs and non-human primates.

- Support the annual stability and identity testing of malaria pathogens for use in CHMIs. The candidate shall develop a new protocols and SOPs for the assessment of and identification of pathogens in infected mosquitoes using molecular and/or immunological tools.

- Assist in the preparation of infected vectors and execution of challenges for CHMI clinical trials according to protocol, schedule, and applicable regulatory governance

- Acquire and maintain certification from the institutional Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP) and Rodent Handling Workshop. The candidate shall follow the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), Department of Defense regulations and animal welfare guidelines for handling animals as vector blood sources, including proper use of anesthetic agents, animal euthanasia and carcass disposal.

- Maintain a safe workplace, ensuring appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations are observed.

- Collect and organize laboratory data, provide data summaries, troubleshoot, and provide job-related progress reports/technical reports, as requested

- Assist with preparation of laboratory reagents, and maintain stewardship of laboratory reagents, equipment, biological materials, and other materials pertaining to experiment execution

Required Skills and Experience

- PhD in entomology, microbiology, parasitology, or related fields.

- Working knowledge of managing a laboratory/department to include procuring funding, allocating resources, managing multiple projects, planning /executing experiments and managing personnel.

- Experience in the field of infectious diseases, parasitology, medical entomology, immunology, biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology (within the context of application to public health).

- Hands-on experience in insect colonization (mosquitoes, sandflies, blackflies), parasite culture (Plasmodium and Leishmania), and in vitro and in vivo models (mainly rodents) for studies of basic biology, infection and transmission of parasites.

- Strong publication and research grant award history; ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Strong scientific communication skills.

- Ability to work in laboratory and field environments; may require working evenings and weekends; may require travel and ability to work independently following a brief period of specific technical training.

- Maintain effective technical knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas: cell and molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, parasitology, entomology, and vector-borne diseases of military and global health importance

- Familiarity with cell culture; microbiological, molecular and other applicable techniques and methodologies; Biological Safety Level 2 safety procedures; use of laboratory personal protective equipment.

-US Citizenship required

Minimum Clearance Required to Start:

Not Applicable/None

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

Our Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our diverse, intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

The position may require a COVID vaccination or an approved accommodation/exemption for a disability/medical condition or religious belief as required by customer requirements and some cases federal, state, provincial or local mandates.

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. Diversity is ingrained in who we are, how we do business, and is one of our company’s core values. Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels for minority, female, disabled, protected veteran and LGBTQ+.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!