Senior Scientist - Infectious Disease Research

Job Description

SENIOR SCIENTIST - INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCHGeneral SummaryThe 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) on infectious disease projects.
• 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 CRO Services, responsible for new pipeline development under IR&D funding.
• Within defined policies and procedures, provides resolution to complex scientific problems within a specified program.
• 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 clients scientific staff as appropriate.
• 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 commercial or government 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 iinfectious disease research with in vitro and in vivo models is preferred.
• Immunogenicity and efficacy testing in Animal models such as mice, ferrets, hamsters, monkeys
• 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.
• As a Federal contractor, Southern Research may be required to comply with a Federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate. In that event, 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 & ConditionsThis 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 DemandsThis 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 & RegistrationsNo 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.

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