Chief Scientist (Molecular Diagnostics) - Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Odyssey is looking for a Chief Scientist (Molecular Diagnostics) to support the Molecular Diagnostics Department in the Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD) at the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC).  The goal of this group is to broaden the ability of the Directorate to produce quality assays and reagents for the detection of bio-threat agents domestically and across the globe. The mission of the Microbiology and Immunology (MI) and Molecular Diagnostic (MD) departments of Naval Medical Research Command BDRD is to research, develop and produce detection and mitigation products to counter biological threat agents, both natural and man-made domestically and across the globe. The Immunodiagnostics and Molecular Diagnostics Departments
produce high quality reagents and assay kits that are used by the Operations Department, other DoD groups
and Federal partners to conduct field and laboratory-based analysis of potential bio-threat agents. 

***Contingent upon contract award***

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Production of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays (Molecular Diagnostics Department): Assist with production of reagents for daily use by DoD and Federal programs to detect the presence of biological warfare agents in aerosol samples and for ongoing disease
  surveillance across the globe. Reagent production is conducted in an ISO Guide 34 accredited laboratory for the production of certified reference materials. To meet these production standards, a rigorous Quality Management System is in place that governs the production of all assay components. To support this project, assistance with the following tasks shall be performed:
  • Produce nucleic acid-based detection/diagnostic assays against various biological threat agents;
  • Conformance test detection/diagnostics assays to ensure performance meets stated standards;
  • Continually improve Quality Management System to meet applicable accreditation standards; and
  • Maintain repository of assay kits and ship to DoD and USG customers CONUS and OCONUS.
• Molecular Assay Development & Platform Test and Evaluation (Molecular Diagnostics Department): Assist with the development and testing of new or improved nucleic acid-based detection assays to meet the needs of DoD and other Federal agencies. Transition these assays into production based on customer needs. Assist with assay development that may include platform test and evaluation to compare performance of new or improved platforms or components with currently fielded platforms. Laboratory support will include work in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories with BSAT requiring enrollment in a BPRP. To support this project, assistance with
  the following tasks shall be performed:
  • Develop DNA or RNA detection assays with the goal of improving currently fielded assays and/or increasing USG assay portfolio;
  • Develop DNA or RNA detection/diagnostic assays in response to public health emergencies. Assays may require specific validation packages to obtain FDA Emergency Use Authorization or other necessary approval/certification; and
  • Conduct assay and platform test & evaluation of new or improved nucleic-acid based instruments and technologies to identify potential improvements in USG detection/diagnostic capabilities.
• Field Sample Analysis (Molecular Diagnostics, Immunodiagnostics and Operations Departments): Assist with maintaining a capability for analysis of unknown samples to identify suspected biological threat agents. This project includes support to CDC as a National Laboratory in the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) and support to DoD and other Federal customers in unknown sample analysis. Provide laboratory support that will include at a minimum, standard microbiological analysis, nucleic acid analysis, and immunological analysis and will include work in Biosafety Level (BSL)-2 and BSL-3 laboratories with BSAT requiring enrollment in a BPRP. The
  contractor shall provide laboratory support of off-site analysis conducted in field settings or in partner laboratories. To support this project, assistance with the following tasks shall be performed:
  • Conduct unknown sample analysis and proficiency testing as requested and required by the Laboratory Response Network;
  • Conduct on-site and off-site analysis for the Department of Homeland Security and other Federal entities;
  • Conduct analysis for Department of Defense (CONUS & OCONUS);
  • Conduct unknown sample analysis for Federal law enforcement agencies; and
  • Conduct training and exercises in field sample analysis for DoD and other Federal entities.

***Contingent upon contract award***

Minimum Required Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Clearance: Active Top Secret 

Education: Ph.D. in a biological science field.

Years of Experience: 10 years of practical post-doctoral research in molecular biology is considered essential. The candidate should have at least 10 years of deep experience in the field of biodefense to include molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, the development and production of nucleic acid-based assays, and platform evaluation.

Skills: 

• The candidate must possess a practical knowledge of basic and applied research, including experimental design and methods, and must have demonstrated the ability to perform original and competent research. He/she must have demonstrated the ability to manage a multi-million dollar research program including projects from multiple funding sponsors. Experience must include expertise in formulation and management of budgets, writing proposals and reports, working with domestic and international collaborators, presenting research to diverse audiences, and training scientific staff.
• The candidate must be a subject matter expert in methods for the detection of biological weapons and must have knowledge and experience in conducting laboratory and field-based testing of unknown samples, to include a deep understanding of Federal and DoD bio-surveillance and bio-threat agent detection programs.
• The candidate must have experience managing an ISO Guide 34 Quality Management System and hands-on experience working with BSAT in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories.
• Must be able to pass all criteria for enrollment in a BPRP, to include random drug screening.

• Contractor personnel must be able to travel nationally and internationally for moderate periods of time (up to 2 weeks in length).

  CV due date:  11/30/24

  Contract start: 01/02/25

Additional Information

Location: Frederick, MD 

Travel: up to 20% 

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite 

#LI-JC1

***Contingent upon contract award***

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.