Biological Sciences Scientist II (Cellular Immunology)

Clearance Level
Silver Spring, Maryland

REQ#: G2019-67471

Public Trust: NACI (T1)
Requisition Type: Regular

GDIT is seeking a Biological Scientist II to support WRAIR's Cellular Immunology Department. The contractor shall with broad guidance from the TPOC work alone or with a multidisciplinary team of research scientists and technicians to plan, resource, and lead the execution of in vitro and in vivo experiments using molecular biology, molecular immunology and cellular immunology tools to investigate novel malaria antigens and the immune responses these antigens elicit in pre-clinical
(lab rodents) and clinical (human) vaccine trails. Specifically, the contractor shall:

1.   publish results in the scientific literature; present results and findings at relevant scientific conferences;

2.  perform appropriate statistical and other analyses on collected data;

3.  perform multiple specialized humoral assay platforms to include ELISA, ILSDA, and IFA with human and murine specimens;

4.  perform research on cellular immune responses using techniques such as ELISPOT, Flow-cytometry, IVIS, MHCI-tetramers and tissue culture;

5.  perform research involving molecular biology including RT-PCR for the detection of liver Plasmodium 18sRNA;

6.  perform experiments involving microscopic detection of subcellular organelles;

7.  perform experiments involving organ and tissue isolation from laboratory rodents

8.  perform experiments using specialized techniques for the isolation of human peripheral mononuclear cells and subcellular subsets;

9.  train and lead contractor research technicians supporting this task;

10.  maintain an accurate log of inventories;

11.  perform laboratory administrative duties as assigned;

12.  perform animal handling and various routes of immunizations of rodents;

13.  give oral presentations at lab meetings;

14.  perform work closely with other Government and Contractor personnel to plan, develop, and gain approval of such human and animal use protocols as are required for the performance of this task;

15.  assist with the preparation of periodic progress reports to funding organizations or agencies as required;

16.  maintain adequate inventories of laboratory and other supplies, and prepare purchase requests for supplies when needed;

17.  keep accurate and complete records of research done in accordance with the QASP and contract requirements;

18.  perform laboratory tasks according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's);

19.  maintain and update laboratory notebooks and computer files with detailed experimental plans, data and data analysis;

20.  maintain a safe workplace ensuring that he/she is aware of and observes appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations;

21.  maintain and operate Government owned equipment (ELISA plate washers and readers, BIAcore affinity measurement equipment (such as the Attana), flow cytometers, cell counters, cell sorters, array reader, centrifuges, imaging systems, microscopes);

22.  attend required safety training relative to his/her position and report any infractions of safety procedures to the facility Safety Officer; and

23.  maintain an appropriate, professional demeanor at all times and be able to work as a team member.




PhD or MD in the area immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, parasitology, microbiology, bioinformatics preferred



  1. Knowledge of malaria related research and vaccine development
  2. Good laboratory practice (GLP) certification desired
  3. Knowledge of and proficiency in using various technologies and approaches for the delivery of test malaria vaccines, including but not limited to, GeneGun, electroporation and intravenous immunization;
  4. Knowledge and proficiency in using multicolor flow cytometry for the determination of cellular phenotypes and functional attributes;
  5.  Knowledge of and experience in using in vivo imaging equipment system (IVIS);
  6. Familiarity with the applications of statistics for biological data analyses;
  7. Ability to write scientific reports and publications; and train junior scientists.


