Clinical Research Scientist

ICON Strategic Solutions; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Life insurance

EAP & wellbeing

Training & development

Job summary

ICON Strategic Solutions is seeking a Research Technician IV to join the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in the Wound Infection Department. The role focuses on structure-based drug design support, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, and advanced analytical methods.

You will perform genetic analyses, culture pathogens under BSL-2/3, operate X-ray crystallography workflows, maintain meticulous records, and comply with safety regulations.

Qualifications

• BS with at least 7 years of related laboratory experience.
• Experience in BSL-2 environments and safe work practices.
• Ability to work with animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support in molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, X-ray crystallography, chromatography, and data analysis.
• Perform genetic analyses and sequencing to support bacterial pathogen research.
• Culture infectious agents in BSL-2/3 labs and prepare DNA samples.
• Perform PCR, biochemical and immunodiagnostic tests and maintain records.
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Molecular biology

Microbiology

Immunology

X-ray crystallography

Chromatography

Education

BS in Microbiology or Immunology

Tools

DNA sequencing

PCR

PFGE

SNP analysis

VNTR analysis

Job description

At ICON Strategic Solutions, you will work in a sponsor-dedicated model, supported by ICON’s global expertise. As the world’s largest FSP organization, with over 90 sponsor partnerships, we offer stability, career development and a collaborative environment where your work contributes to the development of treatments that benefit patients worldwide.

We are seeking a Research Technician IV to join a dynamic and growing team at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Wound Infection Department (WID). WID is tasked with delivering specific, effective countermeasures for infection of combat wounds pre-injury, at the point-of-injury, and post-injury. The Structural Biology (XTAL) group focuses on structure-based drug designs for microbial pathogens of military relevance. Researchers in this group express, purify and crystalize ESKAPEE pathogen proteins of interest and utilize sophisticated techniques such as X-ray Crystallography and mass spectroscopy to model small molecule drug-protein interactions.

Responsibilities/Duties include, but not limited to:

• Provide technical support in several research areas including: 1) Molecular biology, 2) Microbiology, 3) Immunology, 4) X-ray crystallography, 5) Various chromatographic systems, and 6) structure-function relationships.
• Performs microbiological and molecular biological studies on various bacterial pathogens of military relevance under biosafety level 2 and 3 conditions, including genetic/genotypic analysis of these pathogens.
• Performs genetic analysis techniques such as PFGE, SNP, VNTR, DNA sequencing and PCR testing to support funded bacterial pathogen research projects including bacteriophage efforts.
• Cultures infectious agents for use in laboratory procedures. Prepares pure sterile DNA samples from microbial agents in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories.
• Performs established laboratory tests to identify characteristics of microbial agents including PCR assays, plasmid profiles, biochemical and immunodiagnostic tests.
• Follows established protocols to perform microbiological and molecular biological assays.
• Organizes and tabulates results of studies and prepares data summaries.
• Maintains accurate and appropriate research records including maintaining a laboratory notebook compliant with standards of laboratory work (replicability) and with WRAIR/Army regulations.
• Maintain a safe workplace ensuring that he/she is aware of and observes appropriate safety and occupational health rules and regulations. Employee is required to attend safety training relative to his/her position and report any infractions of safety procedures to the facility Safety Officer.
• Completes all required safety, biosafety and security training classes.
• Obtain required annual occupational physical examinations and serologic tests and any required security clearances for work in department biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories.
• Specialized training in new methods and procedures as needed, including in the use of data analysis software.

Qualifications

• BS. in appropriate discipline (e.g., microbiology, immunology and molecular biology) with at least 7 years’ related laboratory experience.
• Must have experience in BSL-2 environments and the ability to conduct safe work in this laboratory environment.
• Must be able to work with animals.

Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
• Health and wellbeing programs including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
• Retirement and pension plans
• Life assurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance programs and wellbeing resources
• Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.

Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.