Research Associate II

Research Associate II

Job ID: req2158
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

Position Overview:

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. The Center for Advanced Preclinical Research (CAPR) within LASP develops preclinical model systems for evaluation of cancer therapeutics and biomarker discovery, facilitating the translation of research findings to the clinic. Mouse models are developed or retooled for application to studies assessing small molecule drugs, immunotherapy, and other cutting-edge cancer treatments. The successful candidate will be engaged in in vitro biomarker studies evaluating a variety of experimental anticancer agents in tissues derived from mouse models of cancer, as a member of CAPR’s Preclinical Evaluation team. The RAII will perform a key role in laboratory studies supporting translational research, by analyzing the molecular and pathway effects of experimental therapeutics in mouse models for cancer. The RAII will also assist in the collection, preparation, analysis and storage of tumor tissue samples as well as initiate primary tumor cell culture. Duties may include basic cell and molecular laboratory work such as cell line maintenance and animal genotyping, and responsibility for lab maintenance and writing SOPs. He/she will maintain strong working relationships with other team members as well as with CAPR collaborators.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct experimental assays on tumor tissues and cells
• Perform molecular biology procedures such as nucleic acid extraction and purification, PCR, and Western blots
• Establish primary tumor cell lines from mouse and human tumor tissue
• Maintain cancer cell lines in culture and perform drug sensitivity assays on cancer cell lines
• Viral infection and transient transfection of cell lines
• May implement and troubleshoot new protocols
• Modify and update protocols as needed
• Execute experiments independently with guidance from program scientists
• Maintain proper quality control checks for experiments, assays, and equipment.
• General laboratory upkeep
• Compile, analyze, and report scientific data to program scientists
• Keep accurate and detailed records and documents laboratory operations and data collection.
• Computer/data management, including maintenance of complex Excel spreadsheets, GraphPad Prism software
• Perform assignments independently and following all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures
• Work involves the use of potentially hazardous material or may be located in areas where such materials are used
• Work may require the use of personal protective equipment and requires adherence to strict safety protocols
• Schedule may include occasional weekend and holiday hours

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in a field related to biomedical research or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to educational requirements, a minimum of five (5) years job-related biomedical experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Expertise in molecular biology procedures such as nucleic acid extraction and purification, PCR, and Western blots
• Experience with primary tissue culture and cell line maintenance
• Cancer biology experience preferred but not essential
• Excellent organizational skills
• Experience with CRISPR methodology a plus but not required
• Experience with flow cytometry a plus but not required

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s)
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations
• This position may require continuous or intermittent exposure to and exertion in environmental conditions such as working outdoors, temperature extremes, humidity extremes. etc. as part of the job

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) | Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) | Drug Free Workplace (DFW)

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