Molecular Virology Technical Support

Come join a company that strives for Extraordinary People and Exceptional Performance! Chenega Services and Federal Solutions, LLC., a Chenega Professional Services’ company, is looking for a Molecular Virology Technical Support professional to provide laboratory support for vaccine evaluation, immunogenicity studies, viral pathogenesis research, and medical countermeasure development within the Virology Division. The position supports both in vitro and in vivo research activities through cell culture, virology testing, immunological assays, animal model support, laboratory operations, inventory management, and sample management. The incumbent performs laboratory procedures supporting vaccine development, viral therapeutic research, and protective efficacy studies involving infectious agents of Department of Defense interest while working in high-containment laboratory environments.

Our company offers employees the opportunity to join a team where there is a robust employee benefits program, management engagement, quality leadership, an atmosphere of teamwork, recognition for performance, and promotion opportunities. We actively strive to channel our highly engaged employee’s knowledge, critical thinking, and determination to innovate scalable solutions for our clients. 

• Shall serve as a BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 mentor. 
• Perform basic cell culture and basic virology assays such as plaque assays (PA), plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA preparations and purification, cloning, transformations, fluorescence in-situ Hybridization (FISH), flow cytometry, Western blot, IFAs, high content imaging, plaque assays, PRNTs, virus propagation and purification and other assays to support ongoing projects.   Perform cryopreservation and thawing of cell lines. 
• Prepare and participate in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory inspections conducted by Safety, Bio-surety, CDC, and/or the Department of Army Inspector General at a minimum of 2 times a year.
• Perform in vitro testing of candidate vaccines, therapeutics, and examination of pathogenesis involving a variety of viruses using cell culture, to include microphysiological systems.
• Perform in vitro assays to evaluate viral vaccines for immunogenicity by measuring cellular/humoral immune responses using ELISA, flow cytometry and other immunological techniques.
• Support small animal studies in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories, including the administration of anesthesia, vaccine inoculations, virus challenges, therapeutic treatments, health monitoring and documentation, necropsies and tissue collections, and blood and tissue processing. In vivo small animal studies range from up to ten (10) studies per year.
• Be responsible for assessing and maintaining laboratory supplies in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories.  Shall assess supplies and ensure supplies are ordered or shall order supplies using GFEBS or DMLSS ordering system.  
• Will present protocols and data generated at weekly meetings as applicable. 
• CONUS/OCONUS travel may be required in support of approved studies and/or presentation of scientific research. 
• Assist with annual conduct of Equipment Inventory Management in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4. 
• Be responsible for the management, safeguard, and storage of BSAT, animal tissue samples, and working stock samples.
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Typically requires experience consistent with a Laboratory Technician 3 labor category.
• Minimum two (2) years of in vivo and in vitro laboratory experience.
• Experience supporting vaccine research, virology studies, immunology testing, or laboratory animal research programs.
• Experience performing laboratory assays, biological sample processing, and technical laboratory procedures.
• Experience supporting laboratory operations, inventory management, and equipment accountability activities.
• Ability to work independently while supporting multidisciplinary research teams.
• Ability to work in BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratory environments.
• Ability to work with controlled substances.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CS-PRP enrollment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain BPRP enrollment.
• Successfully pass background and drug screening

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting biodefense, infectious disease, vaccine development, viral pathogenesis, or medical countermeasure research programs.
• Experience performing ELISA, flow cytometry, PCR, qRT-PCR, PRNT, Western blot, FISH, IFA, and high-content imaging assays.
• Experience supporting virus propagation and purification activities.
• Experience supporting microphysiological systems and advanced cell culture models.
• Experience supporting small animal studies and biological sample collection procedures.
• Experience working within BSL-3 and BSL-4 containment environments.
• Experience supporting laboratory inspections, biosafety compliance, and regulatory readiness activities.
• Experience managing BSAT materials and biological sample inventories.
• Experience utilizing GFEBS, DMLSS, or related procurement and inventory systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of virology, immunology, vaccine evaluation, and medical countermeasure research methodologies.
• Knowledge of cell culture techniques, virus propagation, purification procedures, and molecular biology methods.
• Knowledge of ELISA, flow cytometry, PCR, qRT-PCR, PRNT, Western blot, FISH, and immunofluorescence methodologies.
• Knowledge of laboratory animal handling, anesthesia procedures, biological sample collection, and necropsy support activities.
• Knowledge of BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory operations and biosafety requirements.
• Knowledge of laboratory inventory management, equipment accountability, and biological sample management practices.
• Ability to perform established laboratory procedures independently and accurately.
• Ability to collect, maintain, analyze, and communicate scientific and technical data.
• Ability to support vaccine development, immunogenicity evaluations, and virology research studies.
• Ability to maintain laboratory readiness, inventories, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with laboratory personnel, investigators, and project stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, analytical, documentation, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary scientific research teams.