Research Associate I Molecular Biology, Silver Spring, MD ***PUBLIC TRUST BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED*** Join the team who values your skills and expertise. Cherokee Nation Technology Solutions (CNTS) supports federal clients with a full life-cycle approach to military medical health and research programs. CNTS uses a personalized program management methodology to solving clients' toughest challenges, helping you make the most of your skills. This approach gives clients the support they deserve and the quality they expect from a team that can handle every detail - a team of experts, like you. Cherokee Nation Technology Solutions is part of Cherokee Federal - a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies focused on building solutions, solving complex challenges, and serving the nation's mission around the globe for more than 60 federal clients. For more information, visit cherokee-federal.com. SUMMARY The Research Associate I, Molecular Biology will understand the infectious diseases threatening the Fighting Force both domestically and abroad. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes the following: * Performs basic (pure), translational, and exploratory scientific research and development/improvement of vaccines. * Has considerable knowledge of scientific techniques and methodologies and applies independent judgement in performing research. * Develops Standard Operating Procedures for complex assays and updates them independently based upon operational situations. * Designs research studies. * Processes laboratory samples, executes assays, documents results, and compiles and analyses data. * Ensures assays are executed following guidelines and designated procedures. * Considerable familiarity with standard concepts, practices and procedures. * Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. * Develops independent research protocols. * Works independently to plan and execute work, analyze results and develop scientific recommendations. * Assists with leading research studies. * Manages equipment and supplies. * Trains and mentors more junior personnel. * Writes and maintains detailed laboratory records and maintains a clean and safe laboratory environment. * Orders equipment and supplies. * Ability to work both independently and as a team. * Excellent organizational, documentation and record keeping skills. * Reports findings to a scientific lead. * Performs other job-related duties as required. SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY This position will not have direct supervisory responsibilities. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE * BS/BA degree * Minimum three (3) years of experience or MS required in Biology, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology or related biological science. Advanced wet laboratory experience in processing laboratory samples, maintaining cell cultures and propagating virus stocks, and performing a variety of molecular biology assays. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES * Specialized knowledge and experience of microbiology techniques. * Experience working in a biomedical science laboratory. * Experience doing mammalian or mosquito cell culture, specimen collection and processing, molecular assays, serologic and virologic assays, diagnostic test development, and molecular sequencing. * Prior experience working with viruses and/or animal models is a plus. * Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques including ELISA, PCR, Western blotting, gel electrophoresis, and molecular cloning. * Excellent organizational, documentation and record keeping skills. * Ability to follow strict timing guidelines for all scheduled operations and experiments. * Work in a GLP/GCLP/GMP environment. * Ability to accurately collect, collate and enter data into a database. * Experience with data analysis software to include Microsoft Excel. * Ability to successfully pass a drug screen and background investigation, * Cherokee Federal employees are included as covered employees in U.S. Presidential Executive Order 14042, which mandates Covid vaccines for federal contractors. Executive Order 14042 is currently blocked from enforcement pending court proceedings. Therefore, Cherokee Federal is halting the application of the mandate; however, if the injunction is lifted, Cherokee Federal will restore administration of the vaccine requirement. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work will be performed in a climate-controlled laboratory environment. Estimated Starting Salary Range: $57,000 - $63,000 annually (Cherokee Nation Technology Solutions, LLC ) offers a competitive benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans for regular full-time employees, 401(k) with 100% match up to 6%, life insurance, paid time off and more. Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable law. ABOUT THE TEAM: Cherokee Federal is a division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, the economic engine of Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. As a trusted partner, the Cherokee Federal team of companies manages nearly 2,000 projects of all sizes across the construction, engineering and manufacturing and mission solutions portfolios - ranging from advanced data analytics and telehealth to cybersecurity, cloud and logistics. Since 2012, our team of companies has won $6 billion in government contracts and completed more than 5,300 federal missions. Our 3,600 employees work in 20 countries, 50 states and 2 U.S. territories. Why Cherokee Federal? Visit cherokee-federal.com to learn why you should join our team! COMPLIANCE Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, union affiliation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We conform to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations governing all aspects of the relationship between the Company and its employees, including, but not limited to, recruitment, employment, promotion, transfer, training, working conditions, wages and salary administration, employee benefits, and application of policies. The policies and principles of EEO also apply to the selection and treatment of independent contractors, personnel working on our premises who are employed by temporary agencies and any other persons or firms doing business for or with the Company. #cherokeefederal #LI-RC1