Principal Scientist

Job Title: Principal Scientist

Work Location: Frederick County, Maryland

Summary:

Seeking an experienced scientist to lead and mentor laboratory teams, design and implement advanced cell-based assays, and drive technical excellence in flow cytometry and related methodologies. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to communicate scientific findings through reports, publications, and presentations.

Responsibilities:

• Mentor, coach, and train laboratory team members, set priorities, and collaborate with other leaders to ensure efficient lab operations.
• Design and implement complex cell-based assays, including flow immunophenotyping and primary cell-based assays, tailored to project requirements.
• Develop, write, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure regulatory compliance and high-quality assay performance.
• Perform cell assays using established SOPs, such as flow immunophenotyping and ELISpot, and troubleshoot technical issues as needed.
• Generate technical reports, posters, papers, and white papers for client communications, conferences, and peer-reviewed journals.
• Train scientific and technical staff in laboratory procedures, data review, and presentation, ensuring competency and adherence to safety standards.
• Track and analyze laboratory efficiency and quality metrics, maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
• Act as a technical expert and thought leader, staying current with industry trends and advising management on key scientific and operational matters.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in life sciences or a relevant field (preferably Immunology or Cellular Biology).
• At least 8 years of full-time post-doctoral laboratory experience.
• Strong bench scientist skills in cell-based assays, with hands-on flow cytometry experience required; experience with ELISpot and other cell-based assays preferred.
• Proficiency in standard biology laboratory techniques, including cell isolation and primary cell-based assays.
• Experience with cell sorting, troubleshooting, client relationships, and managing project timelines.
• Experience in validation/qualification of assays to CAP/CLIA/GLP or ISO guidelines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with experience generating technical reports.
• Ability to differentiate colors across the full spectrum and meet physical requirements (lifting, dexterity, exposure to cold environments).
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• 10-15+ years’ experience in a core laboratory with leadership responsibilities over a flow cytometry team preferred.
• Industrial experience and/or management of external collaborations is desirable.
• Experience with viral infections, cell culture, cell line derivation, nucleic acid extraction from primary human samples, and nucleic acid characterization techniques preferred.

Published Category: Discovery Research & Preclinical