Manufacturing Fermentation Associate

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Vaccine Clinical Materials Program (VCMP), part of Leidos Biomedical Research at the Frederick National Lab, supports the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Vaccine Research Center (VRC). Its’ mission is to advance preclinical and clinical research, product development, and manufacture of novel clinical-stage vaccines and biologics to address current and/or emerging infectious diseases of global significance (e.g., HIV-AIDS, Influenza, Ebola, Malaria, Novel Coronavirus, Tuberculosis). The VCMP is responsible for the operation of a Frederick MD -based pilot plant facility and is actively engaged in cGMP manufacture, testing, release, and supply of Phase I /II clinical products for investigational use in the US and globally. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES Complete assigned tasks supporting manufacturing laboratory functions. Perform aseptic techniques to maintain bacterial and mammalian cell cultures. Perform microscopic technique/cell counting. Operate single use and fixed stainless-steel bioreactors, GMP autoclaves and associated equipment, basic lab equipment operation. Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Complete Batch Production Records under current Good Manufacturing Practices. Perform aseptic gowning. Documents in detail, through the use of batch production records or laboratory notebooks, the processes and manufacturing steps taken during the procedures. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below: Possession of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. No work experience required with a Bachelor's degree. Must possess basic Microsoft Office skills. Working knowledge of computer assisted manufacturing/production equipment. Ability to be gowning certified. This position may require work on 2nd or 3rd shift and weekends as needed. Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS Physical requirements include the ability to maintain balance at all times, walk, kneel, hear (corrective appliance allowed), use of both hands, arms and legs, use of all fingers, lift/carry up to 50lb, reach above shoulders, climb ladders, push/pull, bend repeatedly, and stand for extended periods. Ability to respond to verbal instruction and cues in a sterile environment where staff are wearing face masks. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Visual acuity to include depth perception, color distinction, and vision correctable to 20/40. Ability to Enter a Laboratory or Encounter a Hazardous Area. Ability to Operate and/or service equipment that contacts or transports compressed or liquid gas. Ability to withstand exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees indoors for small amounts of time. Pacemaker prohibited. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: Cell culture experience. Experience with clarification process centrifugation. Ability to interface with Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Materials Management. Cleanroom and BL2 experience. JOB HAZARDS This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.