Lead Scientist

Overview

Ready to shape the future of science and global health? ATCC, a global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, is seeking a  Lead Scientist, Bacteriology to provide expert scientific leadership for applied bacteriology programs supporting regulated biological materials manufacturing and bioproduction. This onsite role in Manassas, VA leads complex research initiatives, supports product development and technology transfer, contributes to proposal development and business growth, and serves as a technical authority collaborating across quality, operations, and commercial teams.  Join ATCC and be part of a team that supports the global scientific community with trusted, authenticated biological materials.

Responsibilities

• Scientific Leadership and Technical Expertise in Medical Bacteriology and Infectious Disease: Lead and execute complex medical bacteriology and infectious disease research supporting validated products and services, serving as a subject matter expert and primary individual contributor while providing technical leadership and guidance to scientific staff.
• Program and Project Execution: Design, plan, and direct applied research studies in medical bacteriology and infectious disease; select appropriate methodologies, troubleshoot complex technical challenges, analyze and interpret data, and ensure reproducibility, biosafety, and scientific rigor.
• Documentation, Quality, and Compliance: Develop, review, and maintain protocols, reports, and controlled documentation in alignment with quality systems, data integrity expectations, biosafety requirements, and applicable regulatory and compliance standards.
• Collaboration, Proposals, and Business Development: Partner cross‑functionally on infectious disease–focused new product development, technology transfer, and informatics initiatives; contribute scientific expertise to grant and contract proposals and cultivate external scientific and public health relationships. 

Qualifications

• PhD with 8+ years or MS with 12+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent
• Advanced expertise in bacteriology, including cultivation, characterization, preservation, and quality control of medically relevant bacteria
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously at an expert level with broad organizational impact
• Hands‑on experience in high‑containment laboratories (BSL‑2, BSL‑3, and/or BSL‑3+), including Select Agents
• Proven leadership of laboratory operations with strict adherence to biosafety, biosecurity, and regulatory requirements
• Experience mentoring and supervising scientific staff
• Strong scientific judgment, advanced troubleshooting skills, and commitment to data quality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Record of relevant publications or scientific presentations
• Experience with experimental design, advanced data analysis, and controlled documentation
• Experience supporting proposals, external funding, or contract research
• Familiarity with technology transfer and cross‑functional product development
• Experience with workforce planning and budget preparation preferred
• NGS experience and prior service as a technical lead on federally funded programs preferred
• Prior experience serving as technical lead/SME on federally funded programs or task orders

Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience and qualifications as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for additional incentive compensation including regular merit increases and the corporate bonus program.

 

We Invest in You 

 

• Health & Wellness: 
  • Comprehensive medical coverage and company paid Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, AD&D, and paid parental leave
  • Work life balance with Paid Holidays and PTO
  • Fitness and cell phone subsidies, and additional benefits such as legal services, pet insurance and additional supplemental coverage.  
  • Employee Assistance Program offering around-the-clock counseling
• Financial security: 
  • 401(a) (6% employer contribution) and 403(b) (2% match) retirement plans
  • Exceptional career advancement opportunities, recognition, and rewards
  • Corporate bonus program
• Mission Focused:
  • Non-profit organization supporting critical life science research
  • We give scientists the tools they need to make discoveries that improve and save lives
  • Contribute to community involvement and social responsibility

 

Join ATCC, where we fuel your success, well-being, and development. We're a mission-focused non-profit Equal Opportunity Employer, celebrating a century of supporting global public health.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  Shape the future of science with us.