Senior Scientist - Infectious Disease Research
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.
- In compliance with federal mandates, effective January 18, 2022 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.