Position Title: Scientist, Full-Time
Contract Duration: 12-month base period with renewable option periods
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Department: Veritas Management Group/NIH SOAR
Veritas Management Group (VMG) is a leading management consulting firm offering solutions to complex challenges involving public health, technology, and military domains. We serve government and commercial sector organizations, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations, domestically and globally. We are committed to transforming public health through equitable, data-driven solutions.
VMG is seeking a Scientist to support the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Rare Tumor Initiative. This position provides scientific leadership and laboratory support for translational cancer research focused on the development of innovative cancer therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines. The successful candidate will design and execute complex laboratory experiments, analyze and interpret research findings, collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, and contribute to high-impact scientific publications that advance the understanding and treatment of cancer.
- Design, conduct, and analyze translational cancer research studies supporting drug development and cancer biology research.
- Perform sophisticated molecular, cellular, genetic, and biochemical laboratory techniques, including DNA transfection, cell culture, immunoprecipitation, agarose gel electrophoresis, kinase assays, and confocal microscopy.
- Conduct research involving cultured human and animal cell lines, tumor models, and mouse studies to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies.
- Perform immunological studies, including multiparameter flow cytometry, cell stimulation assays, proliferation assays, cytokine analysis, and molecular biology techniques.
- Develop and optimize new laboratory assays and experimental methodologies to support cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, and biomarker discovery.
- Analyze experimental data, interpret research findings, identify technical challenges, and recommend modifications to experimental approaches.
- Collaborate with scientists, statisticians, clinicians, and research staff across NIH, NCI, and external research organizations.
- Prepare technical reports, scientific presentations, figures, tables, manuscripts, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences, seminars, laboratory meetings, and professional workshops.
- Participate in scientific discussions, collaborative research initiatives, and strategic planning activities that support the Rare Tumor Initiative.
- Mentor laboratory personnel and share technical expertise on advanced laboratory techniques and research methodologies.
- Master's degree in Biology, Life Sciences, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
- Ph.D. in Biology, Life Sciences, or a related field is highly preferred.
- Minimum of two (2) years of laboratory research experience in immunology, molecular biology, cancer biology, or a related discipline.
- Experience handling laboratory mice, including intraperitoneal and intravenous injections, tumor measurements, dissections, and animal research procedures.
- Experience performing molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Western blotting, gel electrophoresis, immunoprecipitation, and cell culture.
- Experience performing immunological assays, including multiparameter flow cytometry and in vitro functional assays.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary scientific teams.
- Experience in translational cancer research or oncology-focused laboratory environments.
- Experience developing novel cancer therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines, or biomarker studies.
- Experience with confocal microscopy and advanced imaging techniques.
- Experience publishing scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience presenting research findings at national or international scientific conferences.
- Experience supporting NIH, NCI, or other federally funded biomedical research programs.
- Full-time position (40 hours per week).
- Monday through Friday schedule.
- Position is located at the National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland.
- Telework is available in accordance with government approval.
- Laboratory-based research environment supporting cutting-edge cancer research and translational science.
- Position involves working with laboratory mice, human biological specimens, cell cultures, and specialized laboratory equipment while following established laboratory safety and research protocols.
