ORAU has a contingent job opportunity for Postgraduate Research Assistant Level in support of the overall functions of the Antibody Biology Unit, Laboratory of Immunogenetics (LIG) located in Rockville, MD. The goal of the Unit is to isolate human monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, Plasmodium falciparum and other targets of interest as prophylactics or therapeutics, or to aid vaccine design. The positions are contingent on award of an upcoming contract with NIAID Professional, Scientific and Technical Support Services. Salary for positions will be determined based on education and experience. Relocation support is not available for this position.

ORAU has been providing scientific and technical talent staffing solutions and designing, managing, and evaluating jobs and internships for more than 70 years. ORAU assists in connecting the best and most diverse group of students, recent graduates, faculty and professionals with world-class fellowships, internships and job opportunities, whether in national laboratories, research institutions, federal government offices or private sector R&D departments.

Scope:

Under this Task Order, the Contractor(s) shall provide services in support of the overall functions of the Antibody Biology Unit, Laboratory of Immunogenetics (LIG). The goal of the Unit is to isolate human monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, Plasmodium falciparum and other targets of interest as prophylactics or therapeutics, or to aid vaccine design.

Technical Requirements:

• Operate high-throughput instruments including robotic liquid handlers and high-throughput flow cytometers. Utilize computer software associated with these instruments.
• Assist postdocs and other scientific staff with performing a wide variety of procedures and techniques which may include, but are not limited to: cell culture, clinical/diagnostic microbiology, DNA analysis, DNA isolation, DNA purification, DNA sequencing, flow cytometry, gene cloning, peptide synthesis, protein analysis, RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, etc. Will be trained to be proficient in specific techniques if less experienced in some.
• Dissect Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites from mosquito salivary glands.
• Perform general lab management, and responsible for laboratory upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment, maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment including chemicals, biological materials, etc., required to handle biological materials, recombinant protein materials, acids, biological wastes, etc., maintaining work bench and equipment related to projects. Catalog and label laboratory samples and consumables. Help with maintaining and organizing inventory of samples and metadata, and with managing inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents. Liaise with vendors as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and their results and prepare the information resulting from these experiments for presentations at laboratory-wide meetings and for publication.
• Write reports of findings, state methods and procedures, including any modifications employed, specimens and materials involved and results of experiments. Maintain laboratory records. Interpret, evaluate, and discuss the results of each experiment with the supervisor as part of the planning process for subsequent studies.
• Operate and communicate effectively in a group, team-oriented working environment. Work with and support others in a collegial, open, respectful, and interactive working manner. Work collaboratively with others in the lab to generate data for publications.
• Once proficient, assist training of junior lab staff (postdocs, PhD students and postbacs) on hands-on bench skills, sterile technique, including high-throughput sample analyses, tissue culture, animal studies, next generation sequencing and general bench/cellular techniques.

Position Specific Requirements:

• Work location: Rockville, MD

Specific Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in a related field.
• Proficient in principles of molecular biology and immunology

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (20 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (1 )

Specific Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in a related field.
• Proficient in principles of molecular biology and immunology.