Lead Biologist

Overview

ATCC, a leading nonprofit biological resource and standards organization, is seeking a Lead Biologist to join our onsite team in Manassas, VA. This role offers a unique opportunity to directly advance ATCC’s mission by strengthening our virology MSAT partnership and elevating Bioproduction capabilities.

You will serve as the virology subject matter expert guiding the successful transfer of new products, methods, and technologies into manufacturing. Your expertise in virus and cell culture will enable high‑quality production of viral cultures, obligate intracellular bacteria, and related biological materials that support scientists worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Operations: Execute production of biological materials in compliance with SOPs and controlled documents. Perform in‑process QC, maintain equipment and lab safety, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Documentation: Maintain and review batch records, update SOPs, and generate clear reports, summaries, and presentations.
• Technical Leadership: Act as an on the floor SME for viruses, cell lines, and virology methods. Train and mentor staff, optimize workflows, and lead complex problem‑solving efforts.
• MSAT Collaboration: Serve as the MSAT Liaison, driving the transition of new cultures and products into Bioproduction and supporting implementation of new technologies and process improvements.
• Laboratory Management: Lead root‑cause investigations, support nonconformance reviews, and provide supervisory coverage as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in biology or related field with 8+ years of experience (or PhD +3 years, MS +6 years).
• Extensive experience with virus and cell line cultivation; experience with RSV, AAV, Ad5, and lentivirus preferred.
• Strong viral titering expertise.
• Experience with purification techniques (plaque purification, ultracentrifugation, chromatography, TFF).
• Molecular virology experience preferred (nucleic acid extraction, ddPCR, growth of live virus from plasmids).
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize virology methods; experience with RCA, DOE, PQs, and validation preferred.
• Strong mentoring and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 to $105,000 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.