Research Assoc I

Research Assoc I Job ID: req4156 Employee Type: exempt full-time Division: Applied & Development Research Program 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. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. With more than 2,000 employees, the FNLCR is responsible for pursuing a mission of translational and applied biomedical research that is unique from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, or other federal contractors. The selected candidate will join the Molecular Pharmacology Branch’s (MPB) laboratory program, located at the NCI-Frederick campus, which employs state-of-the-art approaches to discover novel targets, evaluate investigational therapeutics, and develop novel drug combinations to improve treatment of recalcitrant, rare, and neglected cancers. The MPB maintains a high-quality screening service for characterizing the activities of approved and investigational anticancer agents, individually and in combinations. The agents are evaluated in vitro by various models of human solid tumors, including established and patient-derived cell lines grown as monolayers and in 3D or patient-derived organoids. The tumor models are derived from a wide range of cancer types with extensive molecular characterization data. The selected candidate will be responsible for following laboratory protocols to maintain a range of established and patient-derived cell lines as well as patient-derived organoids and work within the Production Screen Team to conduct high-throughput screens. This position requires a demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on, and collaborative environment. Success in this position will require excellent cell culture and experimental techniques, communication, and organizational skills, including detailed recordkeeping and computer literacy. After initial training, the selected candidate is expected to perform protocols independently with minimal guidance, with accuracy, discretion, and good judgment, and will assist with the collection and analysis of experimental data. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES Perform routine cell culture tasks including the maintenance and passaging of cell lines & organoids and their scale-up to large batches for drug studies or cryopreservation. Prepare all required media solutions, components, and reagents used for the culturing of cell lines and organoids. Contribute to high-throughput screens and coordinate related activities with team members. Follow SOPs and maintain a detailed documentation of all activities performed and the data collected. Prepare stock solutions and buffers for a range of experimental applications. Perform basic data analysis and quality control evaluations. Contribute to the ordering of laboratory supplies and the tracking of inventory. Assist in the routine maintenance of general laboratory equipment. The use of personal protective equipment and strict adherence to safety protocols will be required. Perform, operate, and communicate effectively in a team-oriented working environment. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below: Possession of Bachelor’s degree in a field related to biomedical research from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience. Ability to work under Biosafety Level 2 conditions. Previous experience with successful sterile/aseptic culture and propagation of mammalian cells. Previous experience performing biochemical and molecular biology assays of mammalian cells. Demonstrated ability to implement experimental protocols and methods in the laboratory. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a capacity to work in a team environment. Ability to be flexible and meet changing needs and schedules. Knowledge of Microsoft office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: Prior experience in an applied R&D environment, such as a research institute, the pharmaceutical sector, and/or the biotechnology sector. Hands-on experience with organoid cell culture. Familiarity with high-throughput laboratory automation. Hands-on experience treating mammalian cell cultures with anti-cancer medicines. JOB HAZARDS This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations. Commitment to Diversity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws. 56,700.00 - 97,375.00 The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data. readytowork