Senior Scientist

Job description

Job Family: Scientist Travel Required: None Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You Will Do: We are looking for a Senior Scientist to support the National Institute on Aging (NIA) research program through advanced synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and laboratory operations support. This is a full-time position located in Baltimore, MD. • Design efficient total organic synthesis schemes for oxylipins, endocannabinoids, SPMs, stable analogs, and other endogenous lipid mediators. • Prepare, purify, isolate, and characterize compounds from synthesis or cell extracts using flash chromatography, HPLC, LCMS, MS/MS, UV-Vis, and NMR. • Lead high-priority research projects, develop new procedures and techniques, and advance scientific discoveries focused on novel research treatments. • Examine biochemical pathways, enzymatic transformations, biochemical stability, and compound properties to identify and evaluate endogenous mediator structures. • Apply enzymatic, biogenic, and enantioselective synthesis approaches, including stability testing and full spectral characterization. • Perform site-directed peptide and protein chemical modifications; design and screen neo-epitopes as antigens for monoclonal and polyclonal antibody development. • Support synthetic and analytical chemistry for complex lipo-particles, including lipoproteins, and conduct liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses using ion trap and triple quadrupole techniques. • Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and oversee laboratory instrumentation, equipment, inspections, infrastructure maintenance, evaluations, and routine maintenance activities. • Train laboratory personnel on instrumentation, laboratory techniques, and synthetic chemistry methodologies; provide on-site technical guidance to staff, fellows, post-doctoral researchers, technicians, and trainees. • Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebooks, research documentation, and data management for processed compounds and research projects. • Coordinate with junior staff to improve research protocols and develop safe handling procedures for laboratory chemicals and equipment. • Support laboratory resource planning, future allocation reviews, procurement quotes, and supply, chemical, and equipment purchasing activities. • Search scientific literature for relevant methods and techniques; analyze, interpret, and communicate findings through reports, presentations, manuscripts, meetings, conferences, and symposia. • Co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts and present project updates and research findings to laboratory members and leadership. • Attend meetings and conference calls, provide regular project status updates, and adhere to all safety, security, regulatory, and confidentiality requirements. • Incumbent capture; no other candidates were considered because the incumbent was identified and meets the customer-provided labor category requirements. What You Will Need: • Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline. • Minimum TEN (10) years of experience supporting biological, biochemical, synthetic chemistry, or related laboratory research programs. • Background conducting organic synthesis and compound purification activities. • Proficiency utilizing analytical techniques including HPLC, LCMS, MS/MS, UV-Vis, and NMR. • Demonstrated ability to maintain laboratory records, research documentation, and electronic laboratory notebooks. • Skilled in analyzing and interpreting scientific data and preparing technical reports. • Ability to train laboratory personnel and provide technical guidance. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. • Ability to work onsite in a laboratory environment and comply with established safety requirements. • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD “public trust”; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred. • Incumbent capture – no other candidates were considered due to an identified incumbent who meets the labor category requirements provided by the customer What Would Be Nice To Have: • Advanced background in synthetic organic chemistry. • Knowledge of endogenous lipid mediator synthesis and characterization. • Familiarity with oxylipins, endocannabinoids, lipid-peptide adducts, and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). • Strong verbal and written communication skills. • Hands-on use of enzymatic synthesis techniques, including lipoxygenase enzyme applications. • Exposure to laboratory operations, resource planning, and equipment lifecycle management. • Track record authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications. • Ability to present research findings at national scientific meetings and conferences. • Prior support for federal research programs, academic laboratories, or biomedical research environments. The annual salary range for this position is $149,000.00-$248,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. What We Offer: Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace. Benefits include: • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays • Parental Leave • 401(k) Retirement Plan • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities • Employee Referral Program • Corporate Sponsor