Research Lab Tech – Aerosol & Animal Research

Overview

Piper Companies is seeking a Research Lab Tech 4 to support aerosol exposure and animal research activities at a high-containment research facility located onsite at Fort Detrick, Maryland
. This position supports Aerosol & Animal Technology (AAT) leadership by executing laboratory studies, maintaining regulated laboratory environments, and providing technical support for aerosol, telemetry, and animal research protocols.

This role is laboratory- and operations-focused
. The successful candidate does not need an engineering background
, but must be detail-oriented, comfortable working in regulated biocontainment environments, and willing to complete extensive training.

• Generate, characterize, and sample biological aerosols in support of pathogenesis and medical countermeasure studies, including animal plethysmography, aerosol supervision, assaying, and decontaminations (approximately 75–120 aerosol exposures per year).
• Support animal research protocols conducted in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories by assisting with study preparation, scheduling, sample processing, aliquoting, inactivation, and study documentation (up to 20 protocols per year).
• Perform laboratory assays including viral and bacterial stock characterization, plating assays, ELISA, RT-PCR, microarray, cytokine analysis, and related in vitro analyses.
• Perform clinical pathology evaluations such as hematology, clinical chemistry, and coagulation analyses in support of approved animal studies and colony management.
• Provide technical support for animal protocols, including animal observations, physicals, sample collection, and euthanasia, following required training and compliance with IACUC and GLP standards.
• Assemble, calibrate, operate, test, maintain, and troubleshoot telemetry systems used in GLP animal studies; support approximately 20 research studies per year and maintain 15–25 validated systems annually.
• Operate and assist in maintaining telemetry platforms (e.g., DSI, Stellar, NOTOCORD) in a validated state; maintain telemetry data integrity, storage, backup, and assist with data tabulation and analysis.
• Maintain laboratory spaces and equipment, including documentation of maintenance, calibration, and validation activities in accordance with USAMRIID SOPs and GLP requirements.
• Assist with writing, reviewing, and revising SOPs and associated risk assessments; support regulatory audits and completion of CAPAs within required timelines.
• Assist with the development and delivery of technical training programs and, once qualified, support training of other technical staff.
• Complete all required annual technical, safety, and GLP training; report safety concerns or SOP non-compliance in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Assist facility supervisors with routine suite operations, cleaning, safety checks, and documentation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Animal Science, or a related scientific field.
• Hands‑on experience in laboratory research, animal research support, or regulated laboratory environments.
• Willingness and ability to work in BSL‑2, BSL‑3, and BSL‑4 laboratory settings and to complete extensive technical and safety training.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols, maintain accurate documentation, and work in compliance‑driven environments.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience with telemetry systems, animal research, GLP environments, or SOP documentation is preferred but not required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CS‑PRP and BPRP enrollment.

• Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year, based on experience and certifications.
• Comprehensive Benefits: CIGNA Medical, Dental, Vision; 401k through ADP, sick leave as required by law.

This job opens for applications on 1/26/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.