Research Associate Supervisor - Influenza Immunology (VICD)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) has a primary mission to provide scientific leadership and laboratory infrastructure to study immune responses to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and other cancer preventive strategies in the context of preclinical and clinical studies. As of recent and part of a large effort, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) and other stakeholders are developing vaccines with durable protection for seasonal influenza virus. VICD is leading the development of immunoassays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against the virus and vaccine. VICD is recruiting for a Research Associate Supervisor to work in a new high impact laboratory that will develop and implement validated immunoassays to be utilized in clinical trial studies, within an internationally recognized research directorate. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working under the Good Clinical Laboratory Practices, with deep understanding of the immunology of influenza viruses or other respiratory viruses, infections and vaccines. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape new scientific directions within a mission-driven environment that integrates new assay development, translational research, and clinical evaluation of new preventive strategies. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate (VICD) is recruiting for a Research Associate Supervisor to support the Scientific Manager in managing a laboratory team that will develop, standardize, and validate a variety of new serology and cellular immunity assays, and conduct sample testing within critical trials. Oversee laboratory projects from conception to execution Responsible for sample management and inventory Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infections and vaccines Plan experiments and conduct testing of large number of samples from clinical studies Design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently and assist laboratory staff to advance the experiments or studies Evaluate, analyze and compile data, and maintain databases Responsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment and inventories Prepare reports, present data and participate in report and proposal preparation Contribute or write SOPs or protocols in Master Control Utilize Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for laboratory operation Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques Other duties as assigned 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 In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience, including one (1) years of experience in a leadership/manager capacity Deep knowledge of viral immunology, in particular influenza immunology Proven ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments Experience in development, validation and implementation of advanced immunological assays, including ELISA and antibody-based serological assays, such as for avidity and isotype characterization, Multiplex platforms (e.g., Luminex), using high-throughput immunogenicity testing systems Experience in performing T-cell and B-cell epitope mapping and T-cell and B-cell functional analyses, using multi-color flow cytometry and other technologies Proficiency in multicolor or spectral flow cytometry, including panel design, acquisition, and high-dimensional analysis. Experience in cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western-blot, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCR Maintains current knowledge of emerging relevant scientific literature and immune profiling technologies Ensures assay rigor, reproducibility, and compliance with GCLP/GLP standards where applicable Flexibility to adopt new emerging techniques and technologies and to troubleshoot effectively Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion Ability to prioritize multiple projects effectively and meet timelines successfully Experience with managing and analyzing large data sets and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data Excellent record keeping and organizational skills Exceptional critical thinking and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility Proficient in Word, Excel, PPT Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral) Familiar with LIMS and Master Control (or other electronic documentation system) Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: Possession of Master’s degree or PhD Experience supporting immunology components of clinical trials, including multi-omics projects Familiarity with integrated immune profiling approaches combining serological, cellular, and molecular data Experience with robotics and electronic documentation systems and LIMS Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA Familiarity with human research subject requirements and regulations JOB HAZARDS This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations