Research Associate II

Research Associate II

Job ID: req2886
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Basic Science 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 Basic Science Program (BSP) pursues independent, multidisciplinary research in basic and applied molecular biology, immunology, retrovirology, cancer biology, and human genetics.  Research efforts are an integral part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR).  Research efforts for this position will be dedicated to the scientific goals of the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Synthetic Biologics Facility (SBF), under the scientific direction of Dr. Nadya Tarasova.  The SBF develops novel approaches in designing chemical biology tools that are used by CCR laboratories for studying signaling pathways involved in inflammation and cancer; and as drug leads

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The individual will independently design and synthesis of peptides and peptimomimetic inhibitors of protein-protein interactions, and the planning and execution of biophysical characterization of newly generated compounds.  Assays/techniques to be used or performed will include, but are not limited to:  the determination of binding affinity with the help of microscale thermophoresis, fluorescence-based assays of enzymatic activity, isothermal titration calorimetry; testing effects of compounds on growth of tumor cells, studying compounds-induced intracellular trafficking of proteins with the help of laser-scanning confocal microscopy, chemical modification of protein with fluorescent labels, characterization of non-covalent protein complexes with the help of high resolution mass-spectrometry.

This individual will also serve as the technical authority in the areas of the synthesis of peptides and biochemical studies of proteins in absence of the lead scientist.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency  (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education)
• In addition to the educational requirements, a minimum five (5) years of work related experience 
• Strong background in, and experience with, peptide chemistry, analytical and biochemical studies of proteins
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious
  material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations

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

#readytowork