Chenega Professional Services Strategic Business Unit · 9 hours ago
Scientist 1 – Automation & Assay Development
Fort Detrick, MD
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$85K/yr - $95K/yrChenega Professional Services is looking for a Scientist 1 - Automation & Assay Development to provide robotic liquid handling automation and scientific assay development support to the Therapeutics Discovery Center. The role involves conducting research on infectious disease threats, executing high-throughput screening assays, and maintaining laboratory operations.
Defense & Space
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Assist in the development, execution, and evaluation of high‑throughput in vitro screening projects across antibacterial, antiviral, and antitoxin therapeutic areas
Support screening of molecular compound libraries for therapeutic efficacy
Perform in vitro assays including enzymatic assays, cell‑based phenotypic and reporter assays, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays, and plaque assays
Set up and perform enzymatic assays such as kinases, proteases, and related systems
Operate automated liquid handling systems such as Beckman Biomek, PerkinElmer Janus, Viaflo, Viafill, Multidrop Combi, and HP dispensers
Write new workflows and scripts for automation instruments to support new high‑throughput screening assays and combination studies
Maintain, troubleshoot, and assess robotic instruments and coordinate supply needs with division resources
Perform basic molecular biology techniques to support development of novel cell‑based or enzymatic assays
Maintain orderly, compliant laboratory spaces in accordance with relevant regulatory guidance
Conduct data analysis using platforms such as Spotfire and Genedata
Prepare technical reports, SOPs, manuscripts, and other scientific documentation
Present research findings internally at lab meetings and weekly scientific discussions, and externally at one scientific conference annually
Prepare a monthly Therapeutic Screening Scientific Research Technical Progress Report
Maintain BPRP enrollment and adhere to all related regulations
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Experience working in BSL‑2 labs and willingness to work in BSL‑3/BSL‑4 environments after required enrollment
Proficiency with automated liquid handling platforms (Beckman Biomek, PerkinElmer Janus, Viaflo/Viafill, Multidrop Combi, HP dispensers)
Experience conducting enzymatic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitoxin assays
Familiarity with therapeutic small molecules and compound management
Experience using Spotfire and Genedata for data analysis
Strong technical writing and scientific communication skills
Eligibility and willingness to maintain BPRP enrollment
Preferred
Experience working in BSL‑3 or BSL‑4 conditions
Prior experience supporting medical countermeasure development
Experience presenting at scientific conferences
Knowledge of laboratory compliance and quality systems
Ability to perform molecular biology techniques supporting assay development
Ability to write automation workflows for high‑throughput screening assays
Ability to secure and maintain security clearance and enrollment in the Bio surety Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP)
Benefits
Robust employee benefits program
Management engagement
Quality leadership
Atmosphere of teamwork
Recognition for performance
Promotion opportunities
Company
Chenega Professional Services Strategic Business Unit
The Professional Services Strategic Business Unit (PS SBU) specializes in providing Information Technology, Health and Scientific, Engineering and Technical Support, Professional Management and Administrative Services to Federal Government Civilian Agencies.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Paul Handly, MSMIT, CSM, SGP, SA, SPC
Chief Technology Officer, Professional Services Strategic Business Unit
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