Animal Biologist

Overview

We are seeking an Animal Biologist to support the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH), world renowned National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Bethesda, MD. Our NIAID professional, technical, and scientific support personnel are part of a preeminent team focused on positively impacting millions of lives around the world with groundbreaking research. Candidates will work at a prominent and vibrant NIAID worksite to directly support exciting ongoing research activities as a contractor team member. Accelerate your career and apply below to help us make a difference.

CAMRIS International is a dynamic clinical research and international development firm that achieves innovative solutions to health and development challenges through high-quality, cost-effective programs and research management services. We combine our proven systems with today’s most effective, evidence-based best practices. Our core practice areas include: clinical research; vaccine research, microbiology and infectious disease research, development and production; biodefense; global health security; and HIV/AIDS programs.

Our employees enjoy a collegial environment where individual contributions matter at all levels. At CAMRIS, you will notably improve the lives of people at home and abroad.

Responsibilities

• Assist Veterinarian in malaria vaccine and pathology research.
• Oversee the design and implementation of malaria antibody and vaccine studies in mice.
• Help educate new staff for in vivo experiments in mice.
• Make detailed observations about experiments.
• Maintain clear and accurate documentation.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and protocols.
• Perform specialized laboratory procedures: histology techniques, blood smear preparation, flow cytometry, malaria parasite quantification, in vivo mouse imaging with IVIS Spectrum system, digital image processing with Spectrum software.
• Provide prescribed treatments, animal surveillance, and environmental enrichment.
• Communicate all animal health abnormalities with Animal Program Director and scientific staff.
• Read and understand the VRC Animal Study Protocols.
• Perform or assist PIs with a variety of technical procedures.
• Assist in the scheduling of technical requests.
• Perform injections via intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intradermal, and/or intramuscular route.
• Collect blood samples, harvest tissue or organs using aseptic techniques, cell counts, peritoneal lavages, skin punch biopsies, and splenectomies, animal identification using ear punches or ear tags.
• Perform in vitro malaria functional assays.
• Maintain mouse colonies, breeding, and weaning of offspring.
• Perform and monitor mouse sedation.
• Maintain Anopheles mosquito colonies.
• Infect Anopheles mosquitos with transgenic malaria pathogens.
• Dissect malaria parasites from mosquito salivary glands.
• Perform inoculations with malaria sporozoites for challenge studies.
• Perform malaria natural transmission studies.
• Prepare and submit animal health records.
• Maintain breeder log, and keep PI’s updated on colony status.
• Collect and organize data for research projects by maintaining database.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline. Two (2) years of specialized experience plus a BA/BS degree is equivalent to a Master’s degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrates expertise in performing biological research.
• Demonstrates knowledge in managing and disposing of hazardous waste.
• All support positions required a minimum of a BS degree; some require a MS, MD, or Ph.D.
• The education, skills and relevant years of experience required for each support position are consistent with those identified as the minimum requirements for the labor categories specified in the contract.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by a candidate to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to lift or carry less than 25 pounds, push or pull less than 25 pounds, reach above shoulder level, and use both hands.
• Will be required to stand or walk more than 25 of 30 min.
• Must have depth perception, have correctable near vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and perform repetitive activities.
• Ability to work alone and closely with others.
• Will be required to be in contact with small animals (fish birds, rodents, etc.).
• Will be in contact with malaria parasites.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coat, and disposable dust/surgical mask.

Please submit your resume online at www.CAMRIS.com. CAMRIS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law.

CAMRIS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for individuals and families, FSAs, HSA, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, legal services, voluntary hospital indemnity, critical illness and accident insurances, EAP, pet insurance, 401(k) with employer match and Roth option, tuition and professional reimbursement, public transportation support in the DMV area, a referral bonus program, vacation with tenure-based increases, PTO, 11 paid holidays, paid bonding leave, and paid supplemental short-term disability.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Public Trust-level background check, a requirement for this position under an active federal contract. The background check process may include, but is not limited to the following: (1) contacting your professional references; (2) verification of previous employment, education and credentials; (3) a criminal background check; (4) use/abuse of federally-controlled substances; and (5) a department of motor vehicle check. Candidates must be prepared to fully-complete any required background check questionnaire during initial onboarding.