Careers

Title: Government Program Manager

Job # 00006

Location/Remote Status: Sterling, VA (Hybrid Remote)

Shift/Schedule: Full Time, Monday-Friday

Salary Range: $75,000 to $110,000 per year

*Note: Position is contingent upon contract award.

Position Summary

The Government Program Manager will lead customer engagements focused on driving innovation in the federal market to help build our fast-growing government business. The selected individual will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with senior government leaders and helping foster an innovative culture that attracts emerging biotechnology contracts. The selected individual will identify new and creative ways to connect government with our startup biotechnology company, translate government use cases to private sector speak, and deliver Athari BioSciences product offerings to impact government missions. This critical role will also include working hands-on with other small/mid/large life sciences companies to collaborate and meet the government’s evolving needs.

Responsibilities

• • Bring a fresh and innovative approach for customer engagement that is true to Athari BioSciences’ customer experience ethos.

• • Keep the community of government leaders engaged with Athari BioSciences.
  • Build out new relationships at key agencies and become a trusted advisor and partner for Athari BioSciences’ government stakeholders.
  • Manage all aspects of customer engagements.
  • Develop new and exciting ways to work with government, complementary biotechnology companies, R1/R2 academic institutions, and system integrator partners.

• • Ensure we high quality, value-add work to all clients on time and above expectations.

• • Review and understand contract terms and conditions to ensure compliance with all contracts.
  • Monitor risks and propose solutions for fast resolution.
  • Monitor contract spending and deliverables, working closely with leadership and operations.
  • Represent Athari BioSciences at conferences, events, and meetings with leaders from government, industry, and venture capital enterprises.

 Minimum Qualifications

• • 4+ years of relevant work experience.
  • Excellent technical writing, editing, and copywriting skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills, e.g. the ability to listen to clients and discern needs, problems, pain points, pivots, etc.
  • The ability to timely deliver work products without being closely managed.
  • Strong interest in life sciences, biotechnology, population health, product commercialization, pipeline development, scaling startups, and government contracting.
  • Prior experience leading government-facing client work or managing government contracts.
  • Willingness and ability to support operations in a fast-paced environment, document activities, develop SOPs, and deliver training.
  • A willingness to work in an environment that is welcoming, open, transparent, curious, collaborative, challenging, results-driven, and fun!

Preferred Qualifications

• • Develop proposals (RFP, SBIR, OTA, Grant) to potential clients.
  • Support research on Agency budgets, scientific, public health, and biotechnology needs, health & medical science workforce development and training trend reports, and solicitations to establish and inform Athari BioSciences contract opportunities.
  • Write and contribute to Athari BioSciences white papers, customer deliverables, and solicitation responses.

About Athari

Athari BioSciences Inc. is a CLIA-certified diagnostic research and training BSL-2 laboratory located in Sterling, VA. We provide mission support that positively impacts population health, product commercialization, and pipeline development. Our culturally congruent solutions elevate care continuums and communities. Athari BioSciences was founded on the belief that the business of science and the science of business can improve the way our healthcare, educational, and government systems operate. Through our access accelerators, differentiated disease therapeutics for unmet medical needs, and consulting services, we bring together a community of leaders across biotech, government, and industry to advance life sciences and commercial innovation via academic, career, and entrepreneurial supports.

Title:  Postdoctoral Scientist – Lentiviral Vector Biology

Job # 00007

Location/Remote Status: Sterling, Virginia 20166 (Non-Remote)

Shift/Schedule: Full Time, Monday-Friday

Salary Range: $75,000 to $90,000 per year

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Scientist will join our lentivirus vector design team within the Athari Biosciences Inc. Research & Development department to conduct critical research on the delivery of lentiviral gene therapies for multiple therapeutic areas including cancer, Lupus, and sickle cell disease. The selected individual will perform hands-on research and collaborate with a cross-functional team in a CLIA certified, BSL-2 laboratory. The discoveries we make together can contribute directly to improving the efficacy and accessibility of gene therapies to patients.

Responsibilities

• • Using molecular biology and virology expertise to design and test lentiviral vector (LVV) and gene expression plasmids for our gene therapy platform with minimal supervision.
  • Work to evaluate and implement innovative approaches to optimize viral vectors backbones, transgenes, promoters and other elements to support our gene therapy pipeline programs.
  • Perform hands-on execution of mammalian cell culture experiments in BSL-2 environment including DNA plasmid transfection and small-scale virus production, purification and transduction of cell lines.
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team as well as colleagues in various disease areas to troubleshoot and optimize LVV production and performance both in vitro and vivo.
  • Present experimental designs, protocols, results and interpretations to a varied audience.

 Minimum Qualifications

• • PhD in Molecular Biology, Virology, or relevant with a minimum of 6 years of relevant laboratory experience in an industrial or academic setting.
  • Expertise in lentivirus therapeutic design, production, characterization, and delivery.
  • Hands-on experience with molecular & cell biology and mammalian cell culture techniques.
  • Experience working with lentiviral vectors in a BSL-2 environment.
  • Strong self-starter, independent thinker with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to adapt in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

 Preferred Qualifications

• • Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature and techniques in the field of lentivirus engineering.
  • Demonstrate good organizational and communication skills. Expected to be accountable for effectiveness and timelines of completion of project goals.
  • Supervise laboratory staff as needed in the execution of this work (including BS-level, MS-level level research staff).

About Athari

Athari BioSciences Inc. is a CLIA-certified diagnostic research and training BSL-2 laboratory located in Sterling, VA. We provide mission support that positively impacts population health, product commercialization, and pipeline development. Our culturally congruent solutions elevate care continuums and communities. Athari BioSciences was founded on the belief that the business of science and the science of business can improve the way our healthcare, educational, and government systems operate. Through our access accelerators, differentiated disease therapeutics for unmet medical needs, and consulting services, we bring together a community of leaders across biotech, government, and industry to advance life sciences and commercial innovation via academic, career, and entrepreneurial supports.

Title:  General Lab Supervisor

Job # 00008

Location/Remote Status: Sterling, Virginia 20166 (Non-Remote) 

Shift/Schedule: Full Time, Monday-Friday

Salary Range: $60,000 to $90,000 per year 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Technical Supervisor, Laboratory Director, and Chief Operating Officer, the laboratory General Supervisor will manage all daily lab operations and staff. The ideal candidate will have experience or the desire to work in a start-up lab environment and exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit that focuses on developing wellness and the workforce. Our unique lab ecosySTEMM model fosters inclusion and belonging, transforming lives through gold-standard testing, rigorous R&D, and workforce development. 

Responsibilities

• • Co-develop all project critical documentation required for the laboratory-developed tests (LDTs). 
  • Analyze, evaluate, develop, and implement plans regarding the improvement of laboratory services.
  • Assist testing personnel as needed and acts as supervisor of daily laboratory activities.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and inventory.
  • Assist the technical supervisor with proficiency testing, competency testing, and training.
  • Responsible for the daily maintenance and performance of the CLIA laboratory.
  • Assist the technical supervisor with development of CLIA documentation for validation and verification of test systems.
  • Lead CLIA inspection preparation, assist with inspection preparation and audit.
  • Responsible for personnel selection, retention, human resources transactions, performance programs, and evaluations. 
  • Responsible for the submission of the Department’s annual budget. 
  • Responsible for all departmental non-exempt personnel supply and expense and capital equipment budget development. 
  • Oversee Quality Systems Management and Laboratory Safety Programs. 
  • Oversee laboratory renovations including planning and implementation of laboratory internal projects. 
  • Oversee the provisions of research-related activities as they relate to the use of laboratory resources. 
  • Oversee compliance with all established standards, statutes, and regulations for all accreditations, permits, and licensure (CLIA/CAP/COLA/ISO/etc.). 

 Minimum Qualifications

• • BS in Biology or Medical Laboratory Science
  • 1-3 years serving in a High Complexity clinical CLIA/CAP laboratory setting
  • Working knowledge of molecular biology and diagnostic testing
  • Technical writing skills: SOPs, grant proposals, validation/verification proposals, scientific proposals, test reports

Preferred Qualifications

• • MLS (ASCP) or equivalent
  • Experience with grant writing and other technical writing
  • Experience with CO2 Incubator 

About Athari

Athari BioSciences Inc. is a CLIA-certified diagnostic research and training BSL-2 laboratory located in Sterling, VA. We provide mission support that positively impacts population health, product commercialization, and pipeline development. Our culturally congruent solutions elevate care continuums and communities. Athari BioSciences was founded on the belief that the business of science and the science of business can improve the way our healthcare, educational, and government systems operate. Through our access accelerators, differentiated disease therapeutics for unmet medical needs, and consulting services, we bring together a community of leaders across biotech, government, and industry to advance life sciences and commercial innovation via academic, career, and entrepreneurial supports. 

Title: Senior Scientist – Innovative Lentiviral Vector Design

Job # 00007

Location/Remote Status: Sterling, VA 20166 (Non-Remote)

Shift/Schedule: Full Time, Monday – Friday

Salary Range: $125,000 to $150,000 per year

Position Summary

The Senior Research Scientist will assist Athari BioSciences Inc. with the development and execution of research projects in support of our mission to address unmet medical needs in the areas of oncology and infectious diseases. The selected individual’s role will include directing, developing, and performing molecular cloning of viral vector prototypes, virological and immunological assays for viral vector detection and quantification, other in vitro assays as needed, and testing of vaccines and therapeutics in a CLIA certified, BSL-2 laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• • Develop new technologies and protocols involving research in molecular virology and the development of non-infectious human viral vector prototypes.
  • Direct, modify, and perform recombinant DNA cloning procedures, including cDNA cloning of viral RNA segments, subcloning of specific genes into sequencing and/or expression plasmids.
  • Perform molecular techniques in the development of recombinant viral vaccine candidates.
  • Analyze protein expression in cell culture by various methods, including transient transfection and immunological techniques.
  • Perform cell culture procedures required to support viral assays and production of virus stocks in Biosafety level 2 laboratories.
  • Train and supervise technical staff and other scientists.
  • Collect, process, and interpret experimental data.
  • Prepare publication-ready manuscripts and present research at national conferences.
  • Coordinate and prepare new grant/research proposals and funding applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• • Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology or related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant laboratory research experience.
  • Experience in lentiviral vector production and gene delivery to primary cells.
  • Preclinical testing of lentiviral vector gene therapy in mouse models.
  • Related and prior work experience with:
    • Lentiviral vector production and gene delivery to primary cells
    • Preclinical testing of lentiviral vector gene therapy in mouse models
    • Standard virology assays (Neutralization, Titer, Packaging efficiency)
    • Multicolor Flow Cytometry Analysis
    • Cell culture of Primary Cells and Cell Lines (both adherent and suspension)
    • RT-qPCR
    • Protein and DNA/RNA isolation and analysis

 Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience with immunoassays such as p24 ELISA.
  • Experience with gene targeting using CRISPR/Cas9.
  • Ability to work in BSL-2+/BSL-3 environments.
  • Experience with fluorescence microscopy.

About Athari

Athari BioSciences Inc. is a CLIA-certified diagnostic research and training BSL-2 laboratory located in Sterling, VA. We provide mission support that positively impacts population health, product commercialization, and pipeline development. Our culturally congruent solutions elevate care continuums and communities. Athari BioSciences was founded on the belief that the business of science and the science of business can improve the way our healthcare, educational, and government systems operate. Through our access accelerators, differentiated disease therapeutics for unmet medical needs, and consulting services, we bring together a community of leaders across biotech, government, and industry to advance life sciences and commercial innovation via academic, career, and entrepreneurial supports.

Title: Business Development Director

Job # 000010

Location/Remote Status: Sterling, VA (Hybrid Remote)

Shift/Schedule: Full Time, Monday-Friday, 5% Travel Required

Salary Range: $100,000 to $160,000 per year

Position Summary

The Business Development Director will lead planning and business development initiatives within the Athari Laboratory of Excellence across a variety of life sciences and technology areas. The selected individual will work closely with the operation’s leadership to drive strategic growth objectives by developing and refining an understanding of clients’ needs and creating/leading winning capture strategies that support population health, product commercialization, and pipeline development efforts for government and industry.

This critical role will include responsibility for all aspects of business development to include strategic capture, proposal development, and strategy.  The selected individual will be held accountable for identification, qualification and capture of business development opportunities as well as the generation of qualified pipeline growth supporting the operation’s forecast and plan.  In addition, this individual will plan and recommend business development and marketing strategies to achieve client and market penetration and drive business area and product growth.

The Business Development Director will lead capture and proposal writing efforts and will play a crucial role in identifying, pursuing, and winning new business opportunities, particularly contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, and SBIRs. This position requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, technical writing skills, and a deep understanding of the biotech and healthcare industries.

Responsibilities

• • Grow the opportunity pipeline, including existing as well as adjacent markets/clients by leveraging new and emerging technologies, client intimacies, and inter/intra-company collaboration.
  • Support development of growth plans to ensure alignment with strategic goals of the operation.
  • Lead and participate in the identification, qualification, and pursuit of strategic business opportunities that support diagnostics, R&D, sequencing, training, and/or workforce development.
  • Develop internal cross-organizational relationships and drive new growth.
  • Obtain market intelligence and competitive data pertaining to potential targeted pursuits.
  • Participate in bid decisions, gate reviews, and the development of cost strategies.
  • Conduct client visits and perform research to understand current and emerging client needs and requirements.
  • Establish, build, and maintain client relationships and assess competitor capabilities across a diverse business portfolio.
  • Lead the capture process for new business opportunities, including government contracts and grants.
  • Develop and execute capture strategies to position Athari BioSciences competitively.
  • Write compelling, compliant, and technically accurate proposals.
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts to gather and synthesize complex technical information.
  • Manage proposal development timelines and coordinate input from various stakeholders.
  • Conduct market research to identify potential opportunities and analyze competitors.
  • Maintain a database of proposal content, past performance references, and other reusable materials.
  • Stay current on industry trends, government contracting regulations, and solicitation requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Life Sciences, Business, English, or Technical Writing) with a minimum of 10+ years/Master’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of leadership experience working in ARPA-H, BARDA, CDC, CDMRP, DOE, DOL, FDA, HHS, NIH, NSF, VA Research & Development, diagnostic biomedical training, life sciences workforce development, US Government, and/or other adjacent Research & Development markets.
  • 3+ years of experience in proposal writing, preferably in the biotech or healthcare industries.
  • Proven track record of successful proposal wins, especially for government contracts,  grants, cooperative agreements, or SBIRs.
  • Strong understanding of the government contracting process and relevant regulations (e.g., FAR, DFAR, SBIR/STTR programs).
  • Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
  • Ability to translate complex scientific and technical concepts into clear, persuasive prose.
  • Strong project management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and proposal management software.
  • Proven and extensive experience developing, capturing, and transitioning programs from inception to program of record.
  • Demonstrated experience and contacts with relevant agency transition partners, US and international.
  • Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally to support client and operational needs.
  • Ability to identify, establish, and use important client relationships with senior-level officials and program stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to collaborate within and across organizational boundaries.
  • Ability to identify key growth areas and develop new business aligned with the company’s growth strategy.
  • Knowledge of Government contracting and current acquisition trends and client buying behaviors.
  • Knowledge of competitors and the ability to model competitor behaviors in the market.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills with experience presenting to senior executives and clients.
  • Proven experience working with geographically diverse teams, including strong coaching and mentoring skills.
  • Skills and ability to empower and engage people and instill drive and passion into the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Formal capture and proposal writing training.
  • Experience developing and managing marketing, bid, and proposal budgets.
  • Experience and comfort interfacing at all organization levels, including executives/CEO.
  • Knowledge and experience with program management, program planning, execution, and systems engineering.
  • Advanced degree in a relevant field.
  • Experience with BSL2 or CLIA certified laboratory environments.
  • Familiarity with diagnostic, research, or training laboratory operations.
  • APMP certification (Foundation or Practitioner level).

 About Athari

Athari BioSciences Inc. is a CLIA-certified diagnostic research and training BSL-2 laboratory located in Sterling, VA. We provide mission support that positively impacts population health, product commercialization, and pipeline development. Our culturally congruent solutions elevate care continuums and communities. Athari BioSciences was founded on the belief that the business of science and the science of business can improve the way our healthcare, educational, and government systems operate. Through our access accelerators, differentiated disease therapeutics for unmet medical needs, and consulting services, we bring together a community of leaders across biotech, government, and industry to advance life sciences and commercial innovation via academic, career, and entrepreneurial supports.