Biochemist

We are currently searching for a Biochemist to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in an interactive laboratory environment, contributing to collaborative projects with the goal of developing probes and drug lead candidates against novel targets aligned with the Antiviral Program for Pandemics. They will apply cutting-edge bioassay technologies for the development of biochemical and protein-based assays for viral targets and will be involved in all aspects of the implementation of small molecule screening programs including assay design, assay development and optimization, pilot and HTS, data analysis, and follow-up studies in support of structure-activity relationship (SAR) and mechanism of action studies for the development of novel pharmacological probes.  This opportunity is full-time, and it is on site in Rockville, MD.    

• Work with the Antiviral Program for Pandemics to identify and develop antivirals
• Develop research plans for new projects, including strategies for primary and secondary screens and advanced characterization
• Develop and optimize biochemical and protein-based assays for automated robotic screening in 1536-well or 384-wells format
• Optimize and execute cell-based assays to support the testing of biochemical target-based inhibitors
• Perform tissue culture, passaging, and plating, and cell line engineering to create cell-based reporter assays
• Perform cell culture and biochemistry experiments, including basic tissue culture techniques, isolation of proteins from tissues/cells, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence
• Co-author Research Collaborative Agreement write-ups and proposals for new collaborations between NCATS and academic institutions or private industry
• Present and communicate results to chemists and project teams
• Analyze experiment results and present findings in project meetings
• Present and communicate results with Project Team and staff
• Prepare a weekly report to include: a summary of the samples (experimental or clinical), the modifications measured, and the antibodies validated
• Prepare and deliver periodic oral group meeting reports
• Propose, design and test assays to allow for a secondary profiling and utilization of probe candidates at DPI
• Identify potential collaborators, both academic or industry; propose and investigate new target projects for initiation based on novelty and relevance to human health
• Provide timely updates to assay providers; send summaries by email; conduct periodical teleconferences to discuss issues and coordinate actions
• Mentor and train trainees and staff on techniques
• Analyze and organize experimental results using data analysis visualization software
• Evaluate new technologies and instruments resulting in proposals for new screening strategies and novel assay formats
• Search existing literature; propose, design and test alternative assays for difficult screening targets
• Confirm assay results and determine EC50 specificity for primary active samples; develop secondary assays for follow up; communicate results to facilitate small molecule probe development
• Collect, analyze, and interpret scientific data for experimental results; prepare tables and figures
• Operate liquid dispensing systems Aurora FRD, Kalypsys dispenser and pintool, CyBio CybiWell, PE Evolution P3 and multimodal detectorsplate readers Tecan Safire, PE ViewLux, PE EnVision
• Analyze the experimental results and organize them into tables and figures with Prism Plot or other data analysis visualization software
• Maintain and update laboratory notebooks and equipment; update and maintain records of experiments and results
• Prepare oral presentations and posters for internal and external groups conferences
• Develop and optimize novel bioanalytical methods based on the future needs
• Evaluate new technologies and instruments resulting in proposals for new screening strategies and novel assay formats
• Search existing literature; propose, design and test alternative assays for difficult screening targets
• Collaborate with staff on cutting-edge cell biology and bioassay technologies for the development of disease-relevant assays for screening
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance; ensure research supplies are kept stocked
• Maintain and update accurate records of daily experiments and results including research documentation
• Maintain accurate research records digitally
• Write and review technical protocols and reports documenting analytical development studies pertaining to assigned work
• Write experimental and technical reports and prepare manuscripts and figures for publication in collaboration with other investigators
• Develop and optimize cell-based and biochemical assays to support chemistry lead optimization
• Carry out drug repurposing screens against compound collections using the assays developed or transferred from collaborators
• Set-up and maintain a cell culture lab; provide the material for compound screens
• Analyze the experiment results and present findings in project meetings, laboratory, and outside meetings
• Present data and results at regularly scheduled lab data clubs and journal clubs
• Work with staff on assay design and modification with the input from published scientific literature
• Perform and develop secondary assays and confirmation assays for follow-up study

#SOAR

#LI-FG1

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline
• At least 3-5 years of related experience
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Skill at maintaining accurate and detailed records of laboratory experiments
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities and pay close attention to detail
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), qPCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR
• PowerPoint
• Outlook

Dovel Technologies and its Family of Companies (Medical Science & Computing and Ace Info Solutions) was acquired in October 2021.

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