Scientist, Virology

Scientist, Virology (6-month contract-to-hire)

Description:

Our client, a start-up biotech operating in stealth mode and based in the biotech corridor of Montgomery County, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC, is building a world-class scientific team. They have several promising assets that have been incubated and licensed by their seed funder. Led by a team of industry veterans, they’ve set their sights on harnessing the emerging science of immunovirology and creating a future free from viral illness.

The Opportunity:

The successful Scientist will bring strong technical skills, meaningful industry experience, a collaborative approach to cutting-edge scientific research, and be motivated to make a meaningful impact addressing unmet medical needs. As a member of the founding scientific team, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of building our company.

The Job:

Responsibilities include the design and execution of scientific research associated with their current and future assets to support successful development of new medicines. The role reports to the Head of Virology. The incumbent collaborates with cross-functional colleagues to discover and optimize novel therapeutics. Understanding disease pathogenesis in the context of viral infection and inflammation is key to this role.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in the design and execution of research experiments by employing cutting-edge virology and molecular biology techniques for in vitro/ex vivo and in vivo studies.
• Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of complex data sets, providing insights and recommendations for project advancement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate virological insights into broader research and development efforts as well as project strategy.
• Help prepare and support the presentation of work at scientific meetings and publish findings.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in virology and contribute to the identification of emerging trends and technologies.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of scientific publications, regulatory documents, and grant proposals.
• Interact with and manage, as assigned, collaborators, contractors, and vendors
• Potential future Direct Reports

Competencies:

Technical

• Expertise in virology and immune-mediated pathogenesis required.
• Proficiency in antiviral assays and analysis required.
• Hands-on molecular biology (cloning, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, Immunoblot), experience required.
• Proficiency in culturing and characterizing RNA and/or DNA viruses required.
• Proficiency in culturing primary mammalian cells required.
• Background in murine in vivo models is a strong plus.
• Background in innate immunity and antiviral immunity is a plus.
• Experience in developing high-throughput antiviral assays a plus.
• Extensive background in virus isolation and culture is a plus.

General

• Ability to work cross-functionally in a team-oriented environment.
• Capacity to work independently.
• Experience in mentoring, training, and managing others required.
• Excellent written and communication skills required.
• Work environment: This is a laboratory-based position, with time spent in the laboratory and office
• Physical demands: Standing/sitting at the bench/desk for the majority of the day with breaks as needed; heavy lifting is not expected/required
• Required education and experience: Master's or PhD in Virology or related field. Bachelor's with 3+ years’ experience in industry would also be considered.