Research Associate

The Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives. The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community. A major focus of the CRTP is the NCI RAS Initiative with the goal to discover new therapeutic interventions against RAS-driven cancers. In addition, the CRTP hosts the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) which performs and standardizes preclinical efficacy and toxicity testing of nanoparticles intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, the Antibody Characterization Lab (ACL) which characterizes monoclonal antibodies or other renewable affinity binding reagents for use in cancer related research and the Clinical Molecular Diagnostics Lab that provides CLIA certified services for clinical investigations. CRTP scientists also work collaboratively with intramural NCI investigators to provide research technologies and expertise.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The RAI employee will be responsible for performing laboratory tests within the Clinical Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory. Primary duties will involve:

• Isolation of RNA and DNA from patient samples
• Performance of clinical assays in strict compliance with standard operating procedures and lab policies
• Complete and accurate documentation of laboratory activities
• Participation in meetings to review results
• Performing clinically validated molecular assays utilizing sound judgment
• Receiving and registering clinical specimens
• Performing assay validations
• Contributing to maintenance of all equipment
• Obtaining required documentation such as Certificates of Analysis, enter samples, reagents, etc. into databases and logs
• Working directly with RAII's and RAIII, as well as independently with the technical supervisor's guidance.
• Strict record keeping

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to the educational requirements, a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a regulated laboratory setting
• Must be able to function both independently and as a team member
• Must demonstrate good laboratory practice; such as following SOPs; advanced data reporting techniques, mathematics and statistics
• GMP/GLP and/or CLIA experience, which may include: proficiencies and competencies, assay validations, instrument validations, and additional performance testing. Ability to determine if an assay has passed or failed and demonstrate corrective actions, if required.
• Experience in equipment maintenance
• Experience drafting SOPs
• Experience with basic PCR and DNA extraction/isolation
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous clinical laboratory experience and handling patient samples
• Experience in DNA and RNA isolations with multiple tissues, especially with FFPE specimens
• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing, Nanostring applications, Lab-on-a-Chip platforms
• Previous experience with Microsoft Excel, LIMS systems, and FileMaker Pro

Expected Competencies:

• Ability to multi task and work well within a team
• Good communication skills
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail

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