This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title:
Staff Scientist
The work will entail:
Serve as lead virologist for the NIST microbiology program. This is a full-time laboratory position. Support the NIST microbiology program to develop viral/microbial standards and work with microbial genomics team to characterize and develop reference materials.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Lead the NIST virology laboratory program – responsible for a portfolio of diverse viruses (up to BSL-2) to meet varied stakeholder needs
- Perform viral and eukaryotic cell culture, plaque assays, optimization and develop 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, oral presentations
Qualifications
- A minimum of a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Virology, Biology, Microbiology or a related field.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- 2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
- Experience measuring cytopathic effect using plaque assays.
- Experience developing viral infectivity assays.
- Experience measuring the infectivity of non-cytopathic viruses.
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.