Integrated Biotherapeutics (IBT), located in Rockville MD, is are looking for a dedicated scientist for an entry-level Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Associate III with microbiology expertise. We have current NIH-funded projects to conduct research on 1) molecular epidemiology of S. aureus strains from clinical samples; 2) Antibacterial therapeutics against different bacterial pathogens; 3) Anti-Staphylococcal vaccine candidates. These may include the bacterial isolates characterization, antibodies characterizations as well as vaccine efficacy testing in different animal models.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Preparation of bacterial culture media, regents and solutions required for bacterial growth.
• Prepare bacterial challenge dose for in-vivo efficacy studies.
• Perform serological assays such as ELISAs and toxins neutralization assays in blood, serum, and plasma samples.
• Perform mammalian cell cultures and cell-based assays such as cytotoxicity and toxin neutralization assay for different bacterial toxins such as: alpha toxins, Leukotoxins, Superantigens, clostridium toxins, anthrax toxins and superantigen toxins.
• Plasmid and DNA extraction; PCR, cloning and basic molecular biology techniques.
• Production and purification of Antibody from CHO cell lines and characterization of antibodies
• Complete a variety of tasks to ensure smooth overall function of laboratory, including simple equipment maintenance, maintain accurate inventories and proper record keeping.
• Comply with applicable safety procedures working with infectious microorganisms.
• Oversee Bacterial lab operations:
  • Enforce lab safety protocol to lab personnel (wearing lab coats, gloves)
  • Make sure Labs are neat and tidy.
  • Maintain -80C and -20C inventories.
• Review/QC and summarize data for reporting to the supervisor.

Qualifications:

Candidate must possess a Masters in biological science and 3+ years of experience or rest Ph.D. holder

• Must have prior experience bacterial culture, bacterial enumeration based on total plate count methods and bacterial growth kinetics
• Must have prior experience performing serological assays:
• Must have prior experience of protein characterization assays: SDS gel, WB and BCA.
• Must be able to independently run laboratory assays
• Operating knowledge of Microsoft Office is required
• Must have an aptitude for problem-solving and be highly organized.