Post-Doctoral Fellow: Preclinical and Translational Imaging

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services that are focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease, which are aimed at the development of targeted diagnostics and therapies. LASP contributes to advancing human health, developing new treatments and improving existing treatments for cancer and other diseases while ensuring safe and humane treatment of animals.

The Small Animal Imaging Program (SAIP) utilizes non-invasive in vivo imaging techniques to support the NCI investigator to characterize mouse models which are then used to perform efficacy studies, characterize new molecular imaging targets for early detection and effectiveness of therapy; assist the FNLCR Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory to analyze nanoplatforms as part of their assay cascade; and support the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis initiatives in developing standards in small animal imaging, characterize patient derived xenograft mouse models, and integrate imaging into drug development.

The SAIP/FNLCR is a state-of-the-art non-invasive in vivo imaging core facility incorporating a clinical 3T MRI utilizing specially designed rodent coils and multi-nuclear spectroscopy, [ 13 C] hyperpolarizer for MRSI metabolic studies, multi-modality Positron Emission Tomography/Single Photon Emission Tomography/X-ray Computed Tomography [PET/SPECT/CT] and a 1T MRI/PET, optical scanners (bioluminescence and fluorescence), a high frequency (40 MHz) rodent ultrasound scanner, a gamma-well counter, and high-end image processing workstations.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging (MRSI) standard operating procedures to characterize Hyperpolarize (HP) 13C biomarkers for evaluating drug effectiveness in rodent xenograft and genetically engineered mouse models.
• Develop standard operating procedures for in vitro evaluation of HP 13C molecular markers.
• Characterize and implement new HP 13C molecular markers.
• Assist in the design and experimental procedures for quantitative HP 13C MRSI in vivostudies.
• Amend regulatory procedures: i.e. Animal Study Protocols, Institutional Biosafety Committee submissions, and radiation safety program protocols.
• Assist in all SAIP functions.
• Present research at national meetings and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctorate degree from an accredited college/university in a discipline related to biomedical research. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging (MRSI).
• Experience with production and in vivo evaluation of hyperpolarized 13C molecular imaging probes.
• Imaging and handling experience with animal models.
• Experience in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging (MRSI).

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 is subject to atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a respirator, requiring a medical clearance.
• This position is subject to working with radioactive material and requires to become an approved radiation worker.

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

#readytowork