Biological Scientist

Cherokee Federal; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Other benefits

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Biological Scientist Journeyman in San Antonio, TX to generate and validate GLP-based Candidate Vaccine Viruses for CDC delivery. This role requires an active Public Trust or ability to obtain one and offers a starting salary of $75k–$85k with full-time benefits.

You will conduct laboratory techniques, analyze molecular data, and prepare SOPs and quality documents in strict GLP compliance, supporting national/international collaborations and quality control teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Virology or Cell Biology required with 3+ years of experience.
• Knowledge of propagation and adaptation of influenza in embryonated eggs.
• Master’s degree preferred in related fields.
• Experience with basic virology techniques and GLP documentation preferred.
• Hands-on experience with animals and egg-based viral propagation is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aseptic cell culture and virology experiments per GLP.
• Analyze molecular data related to virus replication and host response.
• Clone or synthesize HA and NA genes into approved vectors; prepare plasmids per GLP.
• Perform hemagglutination and EID50 assays to validate GLP-CVV stocks.
• Develop SOPs and quality records; review BPRs and study reports.
• Maintain inventories, reagents, and calibrated equipment; ensure compliance.

Skills

Microbiology

Molecular biology

Virology

Cell biology

GLP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology/Molecular Biology/Virology/Cell Biology

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Cell culture

Embryonated chicken eggs handling

Reverse genetics vectors

HA/NA gene cloning

BPRs & SOPs documentation

Job description

*** An active Public Trust or the ability to obtain a Public Trust is required for consideration. ***

Biological Scientist Journeyman will contribute to the generation and validation of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) – Candidate Vaccine Viruses (CVVs) for delivery to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes the delivery of records and other quality documents and any other relevant information associated with the CVV.

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Biological Scientist Journeyman: $75k- $85k

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct laboratory techniques including aseptic cell culture, plasmid preparation, electrophoresis, enzyme digestion, cell transfection, egg inoculation and harvest, generation of vaccine stocks, and QC testing.
• Analyze molecular data associated with virus replication, innate immune response, host challenge, and pathogenesis.
• Cloning or synthesizing the HA and NA genes into CDC-provided/approved reverse genetics vectors compatible for virus rescue and preparing high-quality plasmids in compliance with GLP regulations.
• Perform laboratory research to determine the optimal HA and NA constructs before rescuing each of the GLP-CVV.
• Perform a hemagglutination assay (HA) using turkey red blood cells to confirm the GLP-CVV stock.
• Perform an Egg Infectious Dose 50 (EID50) assay to confirm the GLP-CVV stock meets a minimum infectious titer that will be communicated when the information/materials are provided by CDC.
• Maintain GLP standards and accurate research documentation.
• Develop draft Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) in strict accordance with FDA’s 21 CFR 58 GLP regulations, including quality assurance qualification of all laboratory reagents.
• Prepare Batch Production Records (BPRs) and other quality documents.
• Review SOPs, BPRs, study reports, and all other related documents.
• Ensure laboratory operations, inventories, reagent management, and equipment calibration/maintenance always comply.
• Work with a great deal of independence in achieving research goals.
• Keep up to date with the latest literature; participate in group meetings to discuss findings.
• Willingness to work in teams, including those in the Disease Intervention & Prevention Program, Quality Control, and Quality Assessment teams, and with national and international collaborators.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Virology or Cell Biology required with 3+ years of experience with an active research record.
• Knowledge of propagation and adaptation of the influenza virus in embryonated chicken eggs.
• Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Virology or Cell Biology with an active research record is preferred.
• Ideal candidates would have training in basic virology techniques, including virus propagation in cell culture and embryonated chicken eggs, microscopy, cloning, and animal models of infection.
• At least two years of hands‑on experience working with animals and egg‑based viral propagation is highly preferred.
• Ability to follow strict protocols and regulations. Experience with GLP regulations and documentation is preferred.
• Great eagerness to solve scientific problems.
• Excellent time management, organizational skills, and good detail orientation.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Must pass the pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:

Cherokee Nation Operation Solutions (CNOS) provides support, services, and solutions to federal and commercial customers. The company takes a personalized approach to solving our clients' toughest challenges, helping you make the most of your skills. CNOS is part of Cherokee Federal – a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies. For more information, visit cherokee-federal.com.

Cherokee Federal is a military-friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Similar searchable job titles

• Laboratory Scientist
• Research Associate
• Biomedical Scientist
• Virology Research Technician

Keywords

• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Batch Production Records (BPRs)
• Reverse Genetics
• Quality Assurance
• Cell Culture
• Transfection
• Electroporation
• Plasmids
• Sterility

Legal Disclaimer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass the pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Job Info

• Job Identification 43737
• Job Category Life, Physical and Social Science
• Posting Date 09/21/2026, 04:51 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations San Antonio, TX, United States (On-site)