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When it comes to what you want in your career, if you can imagine it, you can do it at Parsons.  Imagine a career working with intelligent, diverse people sharing a common quest. Imagine a workplace where you can be yourself. Where you can thrive. Where you can find your next, right now. We’ve got what you’re looking for.

Job Description:

Ready to put your scientific expertise to work in detecting bio-threat agents domestically and across the globe? We are seeking a PhD-level Scientist to support as a BSL-3 Laboratory Specialist and facilitate biological research for the rapid detection of infectious diseases and biothreat agents of global importance and the enhancement of global disease surveillance for early pathogen detection and response. This position resides at Fort Detrick in Fredrick, MD and will support the Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD) in the Microbiology and Immunology Department.

Responsibilities:

• Develop lateral flow immunoassays against bacterial, viral and biological toxin targets.
• Produce and distribute lateral flow assays based on customer demands.
• Conduct training for lateral flow assay end-users.
• Produce polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against a variety of biological threat agents.
• Produce affinity purified antibodies using antigen materials to include Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) or BSAT derivatives.
• Continually improve Quality Management System to meet applicable accreditation standards.
• Ensure laboratory operations at Biosafety Level (BSL)-2 and BSL-3 are conducted according to all Federal, DoD, State and local regulations.
• Develop and produce immunoassays for the detection of biological threat agents.
• Develop and produce immunoassays for conformance testing of purified antibodies.
• Conduct test & evaluation of current or new immunoassay platforms of interest to DoD and other Federal agencies.
• Conduct training on antibodies, immunoassay platforms, and immunoassays to end-users domestically and abroad.
• Develop and evaluate medical countermeasures for emerging infectious diseases.

Education/Experience: 

• Education: Master’s degree/Ph.D. in a biological science field.
• Experience: 10 years of practical experience conducting microbiology/molecular biology techniques in a BSL-3 laboratory is considered essential. He/she must have demonstrated the ability to operate and sustain a BSL-3 laboratory, including training of other scientists, technicians, and support personnel, writing standard operating procedures/risk assessments, understanding BSL-3 facility requirements, and managing BSAT inventory. The candidate must possess a practical knowledge of basic and applied research and must have demonstrated the ability to perform competent research. The candidate must have at least 5 years of experience working with BSAT and a thorough understanding of Federal and DoD BSAT regulations/instructions. The candidate must have experience working on methods for bacterial growth and detection of bio-threat agents.
• Must meet all criteria for enrollment in the BPRP.
• Must currently possess or be able to pass all criteria for a Secret security clearance.

Minimum Clearance Required to Start:

Not Applicable/None

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

Our Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our diverse, intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range: 

$70,500.00 - $123,400.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. Diversity is ingrained in who we are, how we do business, and is one of our company’s core values. Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels for minority, female, disabled, protected veteran and LGBTQ+.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!