Scientist (Infectious Disease)

Piper Companies is seeking a highly motivated and innovative PhD Scientist with deep expertise in in vivo models and bacteriology/infectious disease research to join our growing R&D team out of Frederick, MD. This role will focus on designing and executing preclinical studies to advance therapeutic candidates targeting bacterial pathogens and infectious diseases.

Responsibilities of the PhD Scientist:

• Design, plan, and execute in vivo studies to evaluate therapeutics against infectious diseases
• Develop and optimize animal infection models (e.g., murine, rat, or alternative species)
• Conduct bacteriology assays, including bacterial culture, characterization, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Analyze disease progression, pathogen burden, and host response endpoints
• Collaborate closely with microbiology, pharmacology, and translational teams
• Interpret complex datasets and communicate results clearly through reports and presentations
• Contribute to experimental strategy, study design, and troubleshooting
• Maintain compliance with IACUC and institutional ethical standards
• Stay up to date with emerging infectious disease trends and technologies
  
  

Qualifications of the PhD Scientist:

• 3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience
• Strong hands-on experience with in vivo infection models
• PhD in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, or a related field
• Expertise in bacteriology techniques, including: bacterial culture and isolation, MIC/antimicrobial testing pathogen identification and characterization
• Experience working with BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 pathogens
• Experience with molecular techniques (PCR, gene expression, DNA/RNA, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments and analyze biological data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
  
  

Compensation of the PhD Scientist:

• Salary: Between $70,000 - $90,000 based on years of relevant experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO (Paid Time Off), Paid Holidays, Sick Leave as required by law
  
  

This job opens for applications on 5/29/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords:

Scientist, PhD, Postdoctoral, Postdoc, Doctoral, Research Fellow, Infectious Disease, PCR, Molecular Biology, Immunology, In Vivo, Animal Models, BSL2, BSL3, BSL4, Bacterial Culture, Cell Culture, Research Associate, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Mouse Model, NHP, Non Human Primate, Murine, Rat, Insect, Study Design, Federal, Government, Study Design, Preclinical, CRO, GLP, Good Laboratory Practice, ELISA, DNA, RNA, Genomic Sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing, NGS, ELISPOT