Scientist II - Virologist

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

CFD Research is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our Biotechnology and Life Sciences team, where they will play a critical role in advancing viral infection systems and in vitro models to better understand host–pathogen interactions and support antiviral development. The successful candidate will leverage hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, viral production, and molecular biology to design and execute experiments involving infectious agents, generate and validate viral stocks, and develop robust cell-based assays. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, biosafety, and high-quality data generation to support both internal programs and external partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for developing/optimizing viral infection models
• Perform virus production, titration, and quality control, including functional validation of viral stocks using standard quantitative methods
• Maintain and culture a variety of mammalian cell lines; perform transduction, transfection, infection assays, and stable cell line generation
• Develop and optimize in vitro infection models and cell-based assays to characterize viral replication, antiviral potency, tropism, and host-pathogen interactions
• Execute molecular biology workflows including PCR, cloning, sequencing verification, Western blotting, ELISA, and fluorescence-based assays
• Contribute to antiviral screening and functional assay development as needed
• Maintain BSL-2 compliant laboratory practices; follow all biosafety protocols and contribute to a strong lab safety culture
• Document experimental work thoroughly; contribute to internal technical reports, SOPs, and scientific publications
  
  

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Candidate must be a US Citizen and meet eligibility to obtain (and maintain) a Secret Clearance
• MS in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, or a closely related field
• 5 years of experience in developing viral infection models
• Hands-on experience working with mammalian viral systems (VEEV, LASV, influenza, coronaviruses, or similar)
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including sterile technique, passaging, transfection, and infection assays
• Experience with virus production and titration (e.g., plaque assays, TCID50, qPCR-based titration, or ELISA)
• Solid foundation in core molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, sequencing, Western blot, ELISA)
• Strong attention to detail, laboratory organization, and commitment to rigorous data documentation
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small, fast-paced team
  
  

Preferred

• Experience with BSL-2 or BSL-3 containment and associated biosafety training
• Experience with animal models of viral infection
• Background in host-pathogen interaction studies or innate immune response characterization
• Hands-on experience with pathogen infection in complex in vitro models
• Demonstrated success in grant or proposal writing
  
  

Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories