Virologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.

Precise Systems seeks a Virologist/Infectious Disease Research Scientist to develop methods to detect known, unknown, and emerging infectious human disease pathogens for field deployment. The candidate will also be tasked with characterization and threat assessment of emerging infectious disease pathogens, including viruses. DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center (CBC) is the primary Department of War technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense.​

All work is performed on site, in Edgewood, MD.

Duties:  

• The candidate must be skilled in cell culture, viral growth, and virological techniques (plaque assays, TCID50s, neutralization assays)
• Collaborate with a team to design, test, and deliver rapid, facile methods for identifying DNA and RNA pathogens using untargeted sequencing
• Develop detection methods in the laboratory, optimize and streamline them for field use, troubleshoot processes and equipment, train and prepare for field demonstrations
• Execute standard microbiological methods for cell lysis, DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, DNA/RNA library preparation, and DNA/RNA library sequencing execution
• Utilize Oxford Nanopore MiniION/GridION/PromethION and Illumina MiSeq platforms
• Typical samples could be simple or complex, individual or pooled, and require targeted and untargeted sequencing (amplicon vs metagenome sequencing)
• Samples may be of environmental or human origin and up to BSL3 pathogens of military relevance
• Execute standard microbiological techniques to perform cell lysis for DNA/RNA extractions, nucleic acid purification, DNA/RNA library preparation, and DNA/RNA library sequencing execution utilizing the Oxford Nanopore MinION and/or GridION
• Develop workflows, optimize and streamline for use in field environments, and troubleshoot processes and equipment to train and prepare for field demonstrations.
• The laboratory is well supported, with unique capabilities, and opportunities for publication and presentations.

Required Education: 

• M.S. in Virology, Microbiology, Microbial Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or a related field

Required Experience:

• 5 years' experience in standard microbiological methods for cell lysis, DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, DNA/RNA library preparation, and DNA/RNA library sequencing execution
• Experience and ability to be cleared for work in BSL3 and BSAT spaces.
• Shall demonstrate proficiency in a biological laboratory environment (BSL-3), a willingness to learn new skills and methods, and solid technical communications skills; all requirements for this position.
• Previous experience in BPRP or working with hazardous biological materials is highly preferred.
• Previous experience working in a laboratory environment with hazardous biological or hazardous waste management
• Previous experience supporting research and/or testing of CBRN protection commodities

Desired: 

• PhD in Virology, Microbiology, Microbial Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or a related field

Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment

• This position may require enrollment in and continued eligibility for the Chemical Personnel Reliability Program/Biological Personnel Reliability Program (CPRP/BPRP), as determined by the customer and in accordance with applicable government regulations, including AR 50-6, AR 190-17, the PRP Guidebook, and customer-specific requirements.
• Candidates selected for this position must be able to meet all applicable PRP qualifying standards, which may include demonstrated emotional and mental stability, trustworthiness, dependability, physical competence, adequate training, and the ability to work in a restrictive and highly controlled environment involving Schedule 1 chemicals, Tier 1 BSAT, NTA, or other controlled materials, as applicable to the position.
• Employment in this role may be contingent upon the candidate’s ability to obtain and maintain PRP certification, a favorably adjudicated personnel security investigation, successful completion of required medical evaluations, and compliance with initial and random drug and substance abuse testing requirements. State laws authorizing marijuana use do not alter federal requirements or security adjudicative standards applicable to PRP positions.
• This position may also require participation in occupational health and medical surveillance programs based on customer risk assessments and job-specific exposure requirements. These may include, but are not limited to, initial, 90-day, and annual physicals; respirator clearance and fit testing; hearing testing; heat stress evaluation; PPD/tuberculosis screening; cholinesterase testing; exposure monitoring or surveillance related to asbestos, lead, silica, CARC paint, lasers, animal exposure, or other workplace hazards; required vaccinations; and use of personal protective equipment.
• Candidates must be willing and able to comply with all customer, occupational health, safety, security, medical, drug testing, training, PPE, and PRP-related requirements as a condition of employment and continued assignment.

Work Environment:

• Shall wear personal protective equipment (PPE, lab coat, safety glasses, etc) and will require the candidate to enter the BPRP (Biological Personnel Reliability Program) to work with the hazardous biological materials.
• This job operates in a professional office environment and research laboratory spaces. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and standard laboratory equipment such as chemical wastes, biological materials, reagents, containment hoods and specialized research equipment.

Physical Demands:

• This job operates in a professional office environment and research laboratory spaces. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and standard laboratory equipment such as chemical wastes, biological materials, reagents, large-scale test chambers, containment hoods and specialized research equipment. Must be able to move / lift a variety of containers including drums, barrels, bags, and boxes up to 50 lbs. This position requires use of PPE for extended periods of time.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer-related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required. 

Precise Systems values employee contributions, promotes diverse opportunities for professional growth, and prioritizes overall well-being. Our comprehensive professional services benefits package includes health insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, disability insurance, retirement plans, holiday pay, employee-managed leave, and professional growth opportunities.

We recognize exceptional performance and alignment with our core values through our STAR Award recognition program.

Compensation at Precise Systems is determined by various factors, including education, experience, skills, competencies, and contract-specific requirements. The salary range for this position is $76,709.40 to $120,000.96 (annualized USD). This range represents the standard pay for this role and is just one component of Precise Systems’ total compensation package.

Precise Systems is committed to fair and equitable pay practices in alignment with applicable pay transparency laws and equal employment opportunity standards

Precise Systems is dedicated to a shared vision and core values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, which foster innovation and drive our continued success in the global marketplace. Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. Visit www.GoPrecise.com for a listing of current openings and our comprehensive, employee friendly benefits summary.  Precise Systems participates in E-Verify.