Research Associate I/Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Odyssey Systems has an exciting new opportunity for a Research Associate supporting the WRAIR – Department of Diarrheal Disease Research (DDR).  Diarrheal diseases, notably Shigella, are a major source of morbidity among deployed U.S. military and a significant threat to readiness. To that end, BDB aims to develop a safe and effective vaccine against multiple Shigella strains to protect personnel overseas and keep Soldiers in the fight. This position is perfect for a recent college graduate who is interested in getting great training from a top notch team.

Duties include, but not limited to: 

• Provide support in multiple areas of Enteric pathogen research.
• Conduct bench research on Shigella (or other enteric pathogens) subunit or live vaccine candidates.
• Perform or assist in routine molecular genetic techniques, including nucleic acid purification, restriction enzyme digestion, agarose electrophoresis and gel purification, electroporation/transformation methods, DNA ligation, subcloning, and recombination of DNA fragments
• Assist in the evaluation of Shigella vaccines in clinical and pre-clinical studies to include immunizing small animals, collecting blood, lymph nodes, mucosal washes, and determining immune responses elicited after vaccination.
• Perform day-to-day maintenance and operations of the laboratory, including media preparation, glassware and hazardous waste management, and administrative duties such as ordering supplies and periodic lab inventories.
• Assist in the development of laboratory procedures and analysis of research data.
• Utilize professional knowledge of theories, principles, methods, and techniques of cell biology, and microbial pathogenesis, cell culture, small animal handling (such as mice or guinea pigs), and aseptic technique.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Citizenship:   Must be a US citizen or Green Card Holder with residency in the U.S. for the past 3 out of 5 years

Clearance: Ability to obtain NACI

Education: Bachelor of Science in a Biologic Scientific Discipline

Years of Experience: Recent college graduate with exposure and interest in biological sciences related to human infectious diseases.

Certifications: N/A

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI

Education: Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Molecular Biology or similar

Years of experience: 1-3 years

Certifications: N/A

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with the following research equipment such as centrifuges, scales, microscopes, gel electrophoresis systems, cell counters, PCR and qPCR techniques. 
• Familiarity with the following typical procedures such as aseptic technique, small animal handling, cell culture, nucleic acid extraction, and immunological functional assays.

Interpersonal Skills

• Attention to detail, communication, multitasking, reliability, critical thinking, troubleshooting, enthusiasm, teamwork.

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

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Odyssey is a world-class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military’s operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain-specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.

Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

This position is filled through continuous recruitment and will remain open until a sufficient pool of applications has been received.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Tricare supplement, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, learning and development benefit, paid time off, and holidays.

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