PREP0004151Viral Reference Materials Senior Researcher
Viral Reference Materials Development Senior Researcher
Project Description:
The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons to contribute to cutting-edge research projects aimed at developing viral measurement tools and reference materials in the service of expanding the NIST portfolio of microbial measurement assurance to better serve stakeholders. A successful applicant will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team working with cutting-edge technologies in the NIST Complex Microbial Systems Group. They will contribute to a growing program supporting technology development in the areas of biosurveillance and microbiome.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for maintaining (onboarding, culturing, characterizing) a portfolio of diverse viruses (up to BSL-2) to meet varied stakeholder needs
- Perform viral and eukaryotic cell culture, plaque assays, optimization, and development of viral culture protocols
- Consult and work with stakeholders in the microbiome and pathogen detection communities
- Keep accurate and organized electronic records
- Present results of the work in the form of reports, manuscripts, and oral presentations
Desired Qualifications:
- U.S. Citizens preferred
- Ph.D. degree in Molecular Biology, Virology, Microbiology, or a related field
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant laboratory experience
- Experience measuring cytopathic effect using plaque assays
- Experience developing viral infectivity assays
- Experience in measuring the infectivity of non-cytopathic viruses
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Other Details:
- Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
- Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
- Duration: this is expected to be a one-year position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.