Jr. Scientist II-XRAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY - Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

We are seeking a Jr. Scientist II 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 crystallize ESKAPEE pathogen proteins of interest and utilize sophisticated techniques such as X-ray Crystallography and Mass Spectroscopy to model small molecule drug-protein interactions.

The candidate will perform a variety of laboratory procedures and be familiar with the field's concepts, practices, and procedures, including, but not limited to, microbiology, immunology, vaccinology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, clinical trials, and bioinformatics. The candidate will work independently and as part of a scientific team to understand and resolve complex biological questions while contributing to product development through the analysis and interpretation of data, presentation of data at meetings, the establishment of collaborations both internal and external to WRAIR, the solicitation of grants and the writing of successful proposals. Under the guidance of the Department head, the candidate will actively pursue the scientific objectives of the Branch and contribute significantly to the critical strategic planning and execution of future studies.

Duties include, but not limited to: 

• Design, develop and deliver novel small molecule antibiotics against MDR organisms of military relevance through structure-based drug design.
• Identify novel small-molecule drug candidates through in silico screening of commercially available chemical databases and molecular modeling of drug candidates for enhancement.
• Express, purify and crystallize proteins for structure-based drug design and perform mass spectrometry on all products.
• Develop and recommend antimicrobial drug candidates for specific targets on MDR ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli).
• Draft grant proposals on structure-based drug design for submission to leadership and research steering committees.
• Conduct research on projects associated with antimicrobial development such as protein expression and purification, MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) studies, animal modeling, virtual modeling of drugs bound to target proteins, etc.
• Independently design experiments, make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results and deliver timely results.
• Mentor and supervise junior scientists within the team as needed.

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen or Green Card holder and lived in the U.S. three out of the last five years.

Clearance: NACI

Education: Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline (e.g., microbiology, immunology, Molecular Biology or biochemistry)

Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in protein characterization and chemistry

• Experience and training using BRUKER X-Ray Diffractometers.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: druggable target identification, cloning, enzymology, protein characterization and protein chemistry
• Strong computer skills and experience with relevant software, including MS Office and GraphPad Prism.
• Experience with microbiology of Gram-negative negative species and antibacterial development is desired.
• Must have a proven track record of securing competitive grant funding.
• Must have excellent presentation and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced and diverse environment. Contribute individually as well as part of a highly collaborative and productive team.
• Must have proven ability to prepare precise technical summaries and protocols and maintain appropriate documentation.

Additional Information:

• Onsite at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (Silver Spring, MD)

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Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, is an innovative small business committed to providing world-class technical, management, and training support services to government and public sector clients. We focus on people, processes, and performance to deliver superior results. Since our inception in 1997, our commitment to mission success and customer satisfaction has been recognized with exponential growth and exceptional past performance ratings. We accept challenging assignments and drive projects from the planning stages, through implementation, and into operations and support.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications. Salary range available upon request.