Biological Technician I

Odyssey is seeking a Biological Technician I to support the Structural Vaccinology Laboratory at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in the Biologics Research & Development (BR&D) Department. This position is located in Silver Spring, Maryland. This position will provide support in the areas of immunogen/biologics design, immunogen and antigen delivery, applied research supporting structural vaccinology, biologics and immune assays development, conducting animal studies and performing immune assays.

Duties include, but not limited to: 

• Aliquot and record storage of biological samples to include mouse and other small rodents.
• Express proteins in bacterial cells and mammalian cells and characterize proteins.
• Conduct immunological assays, such as ELISA, and other laboratory assays to analyze the immune responses
• Clone and express monoclonal antibody genes in mammalian cells
• Carry out malaria-related functional assays to study biological function of antibodies
• Work with animals (mice and Rhesus serum) at the direction of the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)
• Participate in down-selection of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies using mouse models
• Assist with statistical analysis of the data and help to generate scientific papers
• Provide assistance to other lab members with all job-related matters
• Maintain a safe and clean work area, while supporting a safe workplace ensuring awareness of and observing appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations;
• Comply and attend all mandated safety training sessions relative to efforts in this task and report any infractions of safety procedures to the TPOC and the facility Safety Officer
• Maintain up to date records of all lab work, including paper and electronic files
• Perform laboratory administrative functions as assigned to include, but not limited to, monitoring and responding to temperature controllers using a datatron system
• Attend lab meetings and contribute to daily laboratory operations as required
• Maintain supplies and equipment inventory tracking and support ordering laboratory supplies as required
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures with the laboratory
• Maintain open communications with TPOC on experimental progress and work/safety related communications in real-time.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Clearance: Ability to obtain NACI

Education: B.S. in the Biological Sciences

Years of Experience: 1-3 years laboratory experience

Certifications: N/A

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI

Education: B.S. in the Biological Sciences with emphasis on Immunology and infectious diseases (Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology)

Years of experience: 2-4 years of laboratory experience 

Certifications: N/A

Technical Skills

• Immunological Assays (i.e. ELISA, Western Blot, etc.)
• Experience working with small animals (rodents)
• Protein expression and characterization
• Cloning in mammalian cells
• Molecular Assays (PCR, Sequencing, etc.)
• Statistical analysis programs
• Microsoft Suite
• Experience with Malaria pathogenesis and vaccinology preferred

Interpersonal Skills

• Attention to detail, communication, multitasking, team player

Additional Information

Location: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Travel: None

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite