Research Scientist

The focus of this position is to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of a panel of vaccines and biologic drugs and design strategies for maintain potency during storage at ambient and elevated temperatures. A secondary focus will be the evaluation of the performance of stabilized biologics after administration in a needle free manner. The successful applicant will also be responsible for interacting with industrial and academic collaborators with respect to experimental design and dissemination of results and preparations of test materials. They will work in a team environment and execute well-controlled scientific experiments. Specific responsibilities include planning, designing, completing and troubleshooting experiments. The candidate will be expected to adapt or modify experimental methods to establish specifications, and to prepare technical summaries for use in proposals, protocols, presentation at internal and national meetings, and publication of research papers. The candidate will be expected to make and record detailed observations, and maintain a complete and thorough laboratory notebook. Strong quantitative analytical skills are required, as well as the ability to interpret and summarize complex scientific data in a clear and concise manner. Strong communication skills are essential, along with excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize/manage multiple, changing projects.

Key responsibilities include:
• Design experimental protocols to analyze and characterize formulations and payload stability
• Optimize formulations, as needed, for therapeutic payload some of which are Biosafety II agents
• Perform In Vivo studies in small animal models
• Perform experiments in a timely fashion by agreed-upon deadlines
• Report weekly R&D progress in weekly lab meetings and with remote collaborators
• Publish novel research in collaboration with clients/partners in high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Provide support in writing and the preparation of grant applications (NIH, NSF, DOD etc.).
• Perform other duties as required

Education and Experience:

• A Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Bioengineering, Drug Delivery, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or other related life sciences is required.
• 0-2 years post-PhD research experience preferred.
  
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to diverse interdisciplinary research projects is required.
• Superior time management skills and ability to multitask between different research projects is required.
• Excelled interpersonal and communication skills and documentation practices are a must.
• Experience in aseptic technique, working under BSL II conditions, and animal work a plus.