Scientist

Company : CAMRIS

Overview:

We are seeking a Scientist to support the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH), world renowned National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Bethesda, MD. Our NIAID professional, technical, and scientific support personnel are part of a preeminent team focused on positively impacting millions of lives around the world with groundbreaking research. Candidates will work at a prominent and vibrant NIAID worksite to directly support exciting ongoing research activities as a contractor team member. Accelerate your career and apply below to help us make a difference.

CAMRIS International is a dynamic clinical research and international development firm that achieves innovative solutions to health and development challenges through high-quality, cost-effective programs and research management services. We combine our proven systems with today’s most effective, evidence-based best practices. Our core practice areas include: clinical research; vaccine research, microbiology and infectious disease research, development and production; biodefense; global health security; and HIV/AIDS programs. 

Our employees enjoy a collegial environment where individual contributions matter at all levels. At CAMRIS, you will notably improve the lives of people at home and abroad.  

Responsibilities:

• Perform microdissections of human vessels, preparing tissues for single cell analysis of vascular cells, performing genetic manipulation of human vessels, and characterizing their function using molecular, imaging, and physiologic evaluations
• Perform cell culture of vascular cells, preparing cells for single cell analysis, performing genetic manipulation of cultured cells, and characterizing their function using molecular, imaging, and physiologic evaluations
• Perform phenotyping of vascular function in mouse models of human diseases or conditions
• Characterize protein-protein interactions involved in vascular cell signaling and pharmacologic targeting of these pathways to modify vascular function
• Develop, optimize, and conduct microdissections of human blood vessels from tissue specimens as part of IRB-approved or IRB-exempt studies.
• Develop, optimize, and conduct culture and co-culture of vascular cells.
• Develop or optimize approaches to study human vessels and/or cultured cells at the single cell level as part of IRB-approved or IRB-exempt studies.
• Perform genetic manipulation of human blood vessels ex vivo or cultured cells in vitro to express, silence, or modify genes of interest.
• Develop and apply molecular tools for confirming successful gene editing or inactivation.
• Characterize human vascular function ex vivo using myography, imaging, gene expression, and/or molecular sensors as part of IRB-approved or IRB-exempt studies.
• Characterize cultured cells using imaging, gene expression, and/or molecular sensors.
• Perform vascular phenotyping of rodent models, including mouse models of human diseases or conditions.
• Perform biochemical characterization of protein-protein interactions involved in vascular cell signaling.
• Develop and test pharmacologic approaches to target protein-protein interactions to modify vascular function in human vessels or in cell or animal models of vascular physiology or disease.
• Keep and maintain a clean and efficient working laboratory environment.
• Order and organize necessary supplies and reagents.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks with sufficient details for reproducing results and documenting progress to support intellectual property evaluations.
• Maintain laboratory safety.
• Maintain accurate sample tracking and data management.
• Perform problem solving, call technical support to fix problems, initiate service calls or repairs, and interact with field service engineers and field application specialists for repair and optimization of laboratory equipment.
• Advise and assist the Federal Task Leader and other lab staff in molecular physiologic techniques.
• Assist and perform lab projects independently.
• Discuss and report data in peer reviewed papers and with the Federal Task Leader and scientists.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline. Three (3) years of specialized experience plus a Master’s degree is equivalent to a Ph.D
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in vascular biology or a related field
• Experience working in a laboratory environment
• Experience and knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records, and knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by a candidate to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to lift or carry less than 25 pounds, push or pull less than 25 pounds, reach above shoulder level and use both hands.
• Must be able to stand or walk more than 25 of 30 min.
• Must have depth perception, have correctable near vision, can distinguish basic colors and perform repetitive activities.
• Ability to work alone and closely with others and work with solvents.
• Will be required to be in contact with small animals (fish birds, rodents, etc.), nonhuman primate tissues, human blood or other body fluids, patients/human subjects and class 1- 3 lasers (open or closed) 
• Will have contact with corrosive substances, plastics and solvents.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, face shields/goggles, safety glasses, lab coat and disposable dust/surgical mask.

Please submit your resume online at (url removed). CAMRIS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law.

CAMRIS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for individuals and families, FSAs, HSA, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, legal services, voluntary hospital indemnity, critical illness and accident insurances, EAP, pet insurance, 401(k) with employer match and Roth option, tuition and professional reimbursement, public transportation support in the DMV area, a referral bonus program, vacation with tenure-based increases, PTO, 11 paid holidays, paid bonding leave, and paid supplemental short-term disability.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Public Trust-level background check, a requirement for this position under an active federal contract. The background check process may include, but is not limited to the following: (1) contacting your professional references; (2) verification of previous employment, education and credentials; (3) a criminal background check; (4) use/abuse of federally-controlled substances; and (5) a department of motor vehicle check. Candidates must be prepared to fully-complete any required background check questionnaire during initial onboarding.

Apply Online