Staff Scientist II

The McConnell Group; Manhattan (KS); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

PTO

401(k)

Job summary

The McConnell Group is seeking an experienced Staff Scientist to support a biosafety level 4 research laboratory. The role requires expertise in mammalian cell culture, virology, and biologics development, with a PhD and 7+ years in a US BSL-2/BSL-4-like environment.

You will contribute to contract research and develop SOPs for high-containment operations. Daily duties include handling complex biological materials, producing reports, and guiding staff on regulatory safety programs.

Qualifications

• PhD required in life sciences or related field.
• 7+ years' experience in biologics development in the US.
• Experience with mammalian/hybridoma culture and virus propagation.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiology, molecular biology, virology and vaccinology tasks.
• Prepare quarterly activity reports and SOPs for BDM equipment.
• Maintain an accurate laboratory notebook and data records.
• Provide CRO/contract research support as needed.
• Guide NBAF staff on biosafety-related equipment and programs.

Skills

Mammalian Cell Culture

Hybridoma Cell Culture

Biologics development

Lab notebook maintenance

SOP documentation

Education

PhD in Life Sciences or related field

Tools

DARBI

MasterControl

Maxim

Job description

Position Summary

The McConnell Group, www.themccgroup.com, a health science company, is seeking an experienced Staff Scientist to support a biosafety level 4 research laboratory.

Required Screenings

Candidate MUST pass a government background check as well as maintain appropriate security clearances.

Schedule

Monday to Friday

Work Environment

National Bio and Agro Defense Research controlled access facility. Each employee must maintain compliance with all NBAF safety and security regulations.

Position Responsibilities

Perform common scientific processes associated with microbiology, molecular biology, virology, vaccinology, and/or biological chemistry, and provide quarterly reports on activities due at the end of every quarter. Sample tasks include:

• Insertion of recombinant DNA sequences into plasmids
• Plasmid Production and purification
• Antibody Production and purification
• Adaptation of cell cultures to different culturing conditions
• Plasmid transfection of cell culture
• Viral infection of cell cultures
• Determination of virus titers in samples
• Determination of Virus-neutralizing titers in serum from animals
• Evaluating of monoclonal and polyclonal antibody reactivities
• Propagate biological materials (cells, viruses, cultures) to establish cryo-preservation banks.
• Assist in the processing of blood, serum, plasma, and tissue samples from animals.
• Assist in the installation and evaluation of BDM equipment and facilities.
• Provide contract research/development scientific support to public and/or private research organizations in biologics.
• Provide guidance for NBAF staff on equipment or programs which are specific to BSL’s, including, but not limited to:
• Autoclaves
• Thermal Tissue Autoclaves
• Dunk Tanks
• Irradiators
• Laboratory Safety Systems
• Airflow Recommendations
• Disinfection and Decontamination
• Tier 1 Select Agent Regulations
• High Containment Biosafety Operations

Documentation and Communication

• Provide Quarterly Reports
• Develop and evaluate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for BDM equipment and facilities utilizing the provided NBAF SOP template.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date notebook covering laboratory activities.

Teamwork and Continuous Improvement

• Work effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrate initiative and contribute ideas for process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the research mission.

Requirements

• PhD from an accredited university or college in a relevant field such as Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or another relevant field is required.
• 7+ years' experience biologics development conducted in a BSL-2 laboratory in the United States.
• Experience with Mammalian Cell Culture, Hybridoma Cell Culture, Bacterial Cell Culture, Propagation of viruses, maintaining electronic inventory records, and processing of animal derived samples such as blood and tissues.
• Maintain compliance with all NBAF safety and security regulations.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with the production of complex recombinant proteins, such as virus-like particles, is strongly preferred.
• Experience with the following applications: DARBI, MasterControl, and Maxim are strongly preferred.
• Experience providing contract research/development scientific support to public and/or private research organizations in biologics is preferred.
• 7-10 years' experience providing guidance for NBAF staff on equipment or programs which are specific to Biosafety Levels (BSL’s) is preferred.

Benefits

The McConnell Group offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full‑time employees.

The McConnell Group Recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, creed, color, citizenship, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including termination, layoff, recall, transfer, and leaves of absence.

As required by law, The McConnell Group participates in E-Verify, a service of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), to verify the identity and employment eligibility of persons hired to work in the United States. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description/posting shall constitute an offer or promise of employment.