Bacteriophage Therapeutics Research Technician II

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and government and public health organizations. With our patients at the center of all that we do, we help to accelerate the development of drugs and devices that save lives and improve quality of life. Our people are our greatest strength, are at the core of our culture, and the driving force behind our success. ICON people have a mission to succeed and a passion that ensures what we do, we do well.

ICON Government and Public Health Solutions (IGP) is a full-service CRO specializing in preclinical through phase IV support of clinical research and clinical trial services for biologics, drugs, and devices. We help our customers get their products to market faster with an array of research, regulatory, and sponsor services. Globally, we respond rapidly to health crises and serve where few others do. We create a unique synergy in the global market, with projects spanning the government, academic, and commercial sectors. ICON Government and Public Health Solutions has a distinct ability to provide rapid response efforts to global health crises.

IGP is recruiting for a Bacteriophage Therapeutics Research Technician II to support 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. This position will be supporting the Bacterial Diseases Branch/Wound Infections Department/ Bacteriophage Therapeutics group. 

1. Assist in establishing new techniques in the laboratory based on information provided in the scientific literature supporting the technical research areas to include but not limited to Traumatology, Physiology and Immunology, Phage Biology, Microbiology, Structural Biology, Microbial Virulence, Microbial Genetics, Immunology, Molecular biology, Bioinformatics and Animal models.
2. Comply with occupational health and safety standards and complete all required safety, biosafety and security training classes as established by WRAIR as minimal standard in the Joint Safety Manual.
3. Analyze and report experimental results from each technical research support area to stakeholders and leaders. Information regarding this analysis and report shall be included in the monthly report.
4. Maintain accurate and appropriate research records including maintaining laboratory notebooks compliant with standards of laboratory work (replicability).
5. Maintain laboratory operation to include insuring stocks of laboratory supplies and reagents, ordering supplies and preparing supply requests for approval, annual inventory of micro-organisms, annually updating of technical research support area SOPs, maintaining a supply of clean glassware, properly disposing of hazardous biological and chemical waste, preparing reagents, and maintaining an inventory of laboratory
   chemicals, orderliness and cleanliness.
6. Integrate and coordinate scientific experiments in the field of expertise supporting each technical research area.
7. Work closely with other Government and Contractor personnel to plan, develop, and gain approval of human use protocols as required for the performance of tasks.
8. Obtain required occupational physical examinations, annual serologic tests and any required security clearance to conduct work in department laboratories.
9. Report any infractions of safety procedures to the facility Safety Officer within 24hrs.
10. Serve as Alternative Bacterial Disease Branch collateral duty officer in accordance with Safety Office and other applicable guidelines IAW WRAIR Joint Safety Manual.
11. Prepare, draft, research and compile data summaries and results for presentations (at least five annually or as desired) or publication (at least 5 annually or as desired) as scientific literature (IAW WRAIR policy 12-03 Authorship of Manuscripts) and for submission to the Department Chief and Public Affairs Office (PAO) or for bi-annual reports for each technical research support area.
12. Attend and participate in seminars, scientific conferences, and meetings to share research results in the form of scientific presentation as required.

Perform the following tasks in the field of bacteriophage biology:

1. Perform research on phage therapeutics for microbial pathogens of military relevance and animal testing (a minimum of five studies or as required).
2. Develop and recommend phage cocktails for the treatment of the ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli) and approval by the team lead and department chief (a minimum of 2 annually or as required).
3. Provide technical expertise in bacteriophage biology and genetics, and the isolation, identification and manipulation of bacteriophages. Perform assays to include but not limited to genetic analysis PCR assays, plasmid profiles, biochemical and immunodiagnostic tests, mass spectrometry and organize and tabulate results of studies and prepare data summaries.
4. Provide expert-level investigation into novel methods of bacteriophage utility to mitigate infection.
5. Maintain department phage inventory and microbial pathogen strain repository and derivative sample inventories.

Experience Required:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or other related scientific field
• 3 years: Previous experience as a laboratory technologist versed in the basic principles osterile microbiological and tissue culture technique, and the knowledge of operation of basic laboratory equipment and lab management
• Must be a US Citizen
• 2 years: Laboratory experience with bacteriophage assays and methodologies.

Experience Preferred:

• Experience with small animal models preferred
• Experience working in a BSL 2 Laboratory 

Security Requirements:

• NACI Investigation
• US Citizenship

Additional Information:

• Onsite at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, MD
• Night and weekend hours may be required

Benefits of Working in ICON:

Our success depends on the knowledge, capabilities and quality of our people. That’s why we are committed to developing our employees in a continuous learning culture – one where we challenge you with engaging work and where every experience adds to your professional development.

At ICON, our focus is to provide you with a comprehensive and competitive total reward package that comprises, not only an excellent level of base pay, but also a wide range of variable pay and recognition programs. In addition, our best in class employee benefits, supportive policies and wellbeing initiatives are tailored to support you and your family at all stages of your career - both now, and into the future.

ICON, including subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer and is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know.