Infectious Disease Scientist - II

WorkLlama, Inc.; West Point (MS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkLlama, Inc. is seeking a dedicated laboratory scientist in the Infectious Disease and Vaccines division to advance pre-clinical vaccine programs.

This 100% onsite role focuses on evaluating vaccine candidates in animal models, performing virology assays, and maintaining essential lab inventories in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include conducting plaque and neutralization assays, high-throughput ELISAs, and ELN-recorded data analyses using GraphPad Prism; and ensuring smooth

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on lab research beyond degree programs.
• Experience with tissue/cell culture, ELISAs, and virological assays.
• GraphPad Prism experience preferred for data analysis.
• ELN documentation experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform core virological assays to evaluate vaccine efficacy, including viral plaque reduction and neutralization assays.
• Execute routine binding assays and high-throughput ELISAs.
• Maintain mammalian tissue and cell cultures to support viral production and assays.
• Generate and manage viral stocks for experiments.
• Manage lab sample inventory and shipments.
• Provide general lab support: equipment, reagents, and workstations.

Skills

Virology techniques

ELISAs

Tissue culture

Data analysis

ELN usage

Education

BS/BA in biological sciences

MS in biological sciences

PhD in biological sciences

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)

Job description

Join a high-impact team within the Infectious Disease and Vaccines department dedicated to advancing cutting-edge viral vaccine programs. In this 100% lab-based role, you will play a critical part in evaluating pre-clinical vaccine candidates in animal models to accelerate life-saving discovery. As an integral member of the vaccines group, you will execute essential virology assays, manage crucial biological inventory and shipments, and provide overall core laboratory support in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform core virological assays to evaluate vaccine efficacy, including viral plaque reduction assays and serum neutralization assays.
• Execute routine binding assays and immunoassays, specifically high-throughput ELISAs.
• Maintain mammalian tissue and cell cultures to support ongoing viral production and assay needs.
• Generate, characterize, and manage high-quality viral stocks for experimental use.
• Manage laboratory sample inventory, tracking, and both internal and external biospecimen shipments.
• Provide robust general laboratory support, ensuring equipment, reagents, and workstations are properly maintained.
• Utilize critical thinking to rigorously evaluate experimental results, analyze data, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed experimental records within an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and analyze data using software such as GraphPad Prism.

Education

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in a biological science-related major with 6 years of experience OR Master’s degree (MS) in a biological science-related major with 4 years of experience.
• Maximum Education: Ph.D. in a biological science-related major with at least 1 year of hands-on expertise with the required skill set.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years performing hands-on laboratory research outside of a degree program.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in tissue/cell culture, ELISAs, and virological assays.
• Preferred experience with GraphPad Prism for data analysis and Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) for documentation.
• Strong soft skills: highly detail-oriented with a strong work ethic, excellent communication capabilities, and proven problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

Additional Information

• Work Location: 100% onsite laboratory-based role.
• Health & Safety Screening: Candidate must be willing to undergo Blood-borne Pathogens (BBP) titer screening after assignment start (titer test conducted by Merck).