Research Scientist III

Overview

Please note that this position is contingent upon the successful award of a contract currently under bid.

Goldbelt Apex LLC., a part of the Healthcare Technology Transformation Group, is a data-focused company dedicated to process and quality in every aspect of its operations. As healthcare IT experts, Apex is committed to developing systems that enable seamless communication and data exchange among healthcare organizations, regardless of the systems or devices they use.

Summary:

Goldbelt Apex LLC. is seeking an experienced Research Scientist III to provide advanced scientific expertise and leadership in support of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) Research Directorate. The position is mission-essential and directly supports combat casualty care research across the five USAISR research pillars: Blood & Shock Resuscitation, Hemorrhage & Vascular Dysfunction, Organ Support & Automation Technology, Combat Wound Care, and Pain & Sensory Trauma.

The Research Scientist III serves as a principal investigator-level scientist responsible for planning, executing, supervising, and reporting protocol-driven research in trauma, hemorrhage, burns, immunomodulation, craniofacial injuries, directed energy health effects, and other military medicine priorities. This role includes supervising junior scientists, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and quality standards, and contributing to groundbreaking solutions for battlefield medicine.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Research & Laboratory Support
  
  • Design, conduct, and oversee complex preclinical and translational research studies in trauma, shock, organ failure, wound progression, and pain/sensory injury.
  • Develop and validate in vivo and in vitro model systems; oversee animal preparation, surgical procedures (survival and non-survival), post-operative care, and sample collection in accordance with IACUC, AALAS, and GLP (21 CFR 58) standards.
  • Perform and/or supervise advanced laboratory techniques, including:
  • Molecular assays: PCR, western/northern/southern blots, ELISA, multiplex bead arrays.
  • Cell biology: aseptic cell culture, cytotoxicity and effectivity assays, microscopy (bright-field, confocal, electron).
  • Analytical chemistry: HPLC, LC-MS/MS, coagulation assays (TEG/Rotem), biochemical analyses.
  • Imaging technologies: radiography, luminescence, laser speckle, spatial frequency domain imaging.
  • Flow cytometry (high-definition spectral): operation, analysis, and troubleshooting.
  
  Leadership & Supervision
  
  • Provide scientific and technical guidance to junior contract scientists and research associates in the preparation of research protocols, SOPs, reports, and manuscripts.
  • Supervise contract personnel engaged in laboratory operations, experimental procedures, data analysis, and scientific writing.
  • Ensure laboratory operations, inventories, chemical management, and equipment calibration/maintenance comply with OSHA, DoD, FDA, EPA, and Army regulations.
  
  Scientific Writing & Communication
  
  • Author and review protocols, SOPs, research proposals, grant applications (extramural/intramural), manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and final technical reports.
  • Develop CRADA work statements and ensure compliance with collaborative research agreements.
  • Present findings at local, national, and international scientific conferences and represent USAISR research in technical forums.
  
  Regulatory & Quality Compliance
  
  • Maintain Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, accurate research documentation, and auditable laboratory notebooks.
  • Support regulatory submissions and interface with oversight bodies, including IACUC, Institutional Review Board (IRB), FDA, and Army Human Research Protection Office.
  • Uphold Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) standards and contribute to CPARS excellence ratings.
  
  Mission-Essential Duties
  
  • Serve as a Mission-Essential Scientist during USAISR emergencies, closures, or elevated FPCON conditions.
  • Support extended hours, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations as needed for live protocols, animal studies, or urgent mission requirements.
  • Provide technical expertise in blood donor operations, including donor screening, sample processing, transfusion product handling, and compliance with clinical laboratory standards.

Qualifications

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of experimental design, hypothesis testing, and data interpretation.
• Advanced knowledge in a specialized domain.
• Proficiency in statistical tools and software.
• Familiarity with ethical standards, IRB protocols, and regulatory guidelines (especially in clinical or government settings).

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD or other doctorate in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Microbiology, Immunology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering).
• Minimum of seven (7) years' relevant research experience in trauma, critical care, or related biomedical sciences.
• Documented experience in supervising scientific teams, preparing animal/human use protocols, and managing complex research projects.
• Current certification in one of the following:
  • BLS
  • CPR
  • American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Course
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a CAC.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with DoD/Army medical research programs and knowledge of military operational environments.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications, grant writing, and conference presentations.
• Expertise in genomics, molecular biology, or flow cytometry strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with DoD QMS, ISO 9001, and quality assurance systems.

Pay and Benefits
At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.