Junior Scientist II-Cyrstallography

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and government and public health organisations.

With our patients at the centre 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.

The Role:

We are seeking a Junior Scientist II to join a diverse and growing team at the 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. The Structural Biology (XTAL) group focuses on structure-based drug designs for microbial pathogens of military relevance. Researchers in this group express, purify, and crystallize ESKAPEE pathogen proteins of interest and utilize sophisticated techniques such as X-ray Crystallography and Mass Spectroscopy to model small molecule drug-protein interactions. 

What you will be doing

• Design, develop, and deliver novel small molecule antibiotics against MDR organisms of military relevance through structure-based drug design. 
• Identify novel small-molecule drug candidates through in silico screening of commercially available chemical databases and molecular modeling of drug candidates for enhancement. 
• Express, purify, and crystallize proteins for structure-based drug design and perform mass spectrometry on all products. 
• Develop and recommend antimicrobial drug candidates for specific targets on MDR ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli). 
• Draft grant proposals on structure-based drug design for submission to leadership and research steering committees. 
• Conduct research on projects associated with antimicrobial development such as protein expression and purification, MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) studies, animal modeling, virtual modeling of drugs bound to target proteins, etc. 
• Independently design experiments, make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results, and deliver timely results. 

• Mentor and supervise junior scientists within the team as needed. 

Your profile

• U.S. Citizenship required. 
• Clearance: NACI
• Must have a Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline (e.g., microbiology, immunology, Molecular Biology, or biochemistry). 
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in protein characterization and chemistry. 
• Within the last year Xray Crystallography Experience
• Proficiency and training in the operation of BRUKER X-Ray Diffractometers required
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: druggable target identification, cloning, enzymology, protein characterization, and protein chemistry. 
• Strong computer skills and experience with relevant software, including MS Office and GraphPad Prism. 
• Experience with microbiology of Gram-negative species and antibacterial development is desired. 
• Demonstrated success in obtaining competitive grant funding, either individually or as a lead contributing member of a grant-winning team.
• Excellent presentation and oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced and diverse environment. Contribute individually as well as part of a highly collaborative and productive team. 
• Proven ability to prepare precise technical summaries and protocols and maintain appropriate documentation. 

Additional Information:

• Onsite at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (Silver Spring, MD) 

If you are a highly motivated scientist with a passion for antimicrobial drug development, a strong background in structural biology, and a desire to contribute to the defense and well-being of our armed forces, we invite you to apply for the Junior Scientist II position at WRAIR's Wound Infection Department. Join us in our mission to combat infectious threats and make a meaningful impact on military healthcare. 

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.

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