Associate Scientist, Analytical Development

We are currently searching for an Associate Scientist, Analytical Development to provide support to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This opportunity is a full-time position with MSC, and it is on-site in Gaithersburg, MD.

• Work with an HPLC or mass spec subgroup within the program/lab.
• Contribute to the clinical development of a variety of vaccine candidates and therapeutic biomolecule drug candidates.
• Develop assays for virus vaccines, recombinant proteins and virus-like particles, and some monoclonal antibodies, that may be used as clinical vaccine candidates or therapeutic antibody treatment.
• Contribute to method development, optimization, qualification, and testing support.
• Work with Tech transfer, investigations, writing GLP/GMP documentation including procedure, designing protocol, technical reports, and IND enabling support for bio-separation assays and mass spec-based assays for cGMP product release and characterization.
• Develop assays for cGMP product characterization and release of clinical material.

• Master’s degree in Life Sciences or related discipline.
• Solid understanding of protein chemistry and protein characterization methods. Prior cGMP assay development experience in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment setting is required.
• Experience in analysis of protein expression and proteomics characterization is highly desirable.
• Experience with analytical equipment automation will be highly beneficial.
• A thorough understanding of protein analysis with experience in quantitative and qualitative protein analysis for assay development is required. 
• Knowledge of the requirements and experience developing, qualifying and/or validating assays for cGMP products and managing method transfers between laboratories is required.  
• Strong working knowledge and proficiency with protein characterization using chromatography and/or mass spectrometry.
• Experience with release assay development on HPLC/UPLC (Waters preferred).
• Experience with mass spec assays including intact mass analysis, peptide mapping, disulfide mapping, post-translation modifications include glycan structure analysis.
• Experience with quantitative assays such as, LC-MS and HPLC (RP, IEX, and SEC) as well as qualitative /quantitative electrophoresis assays including SDS-PAGE, IEF and Western Blot.
• Proven data presentation, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity of vaccine / therapeutic protein development and regulatory requirements such as GLP/GMP practices.
• Ability to implement new methods and technologies, particularly in compliant environment.
• Understanding of experimental objectives and experimental design, including a successful track record of independently performing experiments and consistently preparing accurate and complete experimental records.
• Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills, including a customer-focused attitude.
• Ability and desire to work comfortably in a fast-paced team setting, collaborate with other groups, and deliver results in line with project and team objectives.
• Must be a team player

Due to our contractual requirements, to be eligible for this role, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at time of hire.  

We are a trusted government partner that blends deep domain expertise with advanced technologies to help our customers solve complex problems that improve, protect, and save lives. As a rapidly growing company, we combine entrepreneurial spirit, customer focus, and an outcomes-based approach to support agency missions in health IT, life sciences, public safety, and grants management.

The Dovel Family of Companies offers employees an opportunity to advance beyond a specific role or contract, we offer a path to develop an enriching career. We believe in empowering a culture of innovation, customer success, and employee growth. 

What you’ll get…

• Time Off! Flexible schedules and company paid holidays allow you to take the time you need.
• Investment in YOU! 401(K) company contributions are yours to keep with no waiting period.
• Choices! Unique healthcare plans to choose from with options like fertility and orthodontia benefits.
• Discovery! With our tuition assistance and training programs, we support your career advancement.
• Tax Savings! Enroll in pre-tax Health or Dependent Care Flexible Spending, HSA with company contributions, parking, and/or transit commuter benefits.
• Support! Working parents and busy professionals – we’ve got you covered with a supportive culture, confidential Employee Assistance Program and a membership to Care.com.
• Perks! Employee discounts, peer recognition programs, company-wide wellness challenges, and fun community events.
• A Voice! A unique culture where you can influence decisions and have your voice heard.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.