Research Associate II

Research Associate II

Job ID: req3173
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 In Vivo Evaluation Group, BTB, DTP is establishing both in vitro and in vivo tumor lines from patient biopsies from DCTD sponsored clinical trials with the goal of developing models for NCI’s Patient Derived Models Repository (PDMR). The PDMR is a repository of patient-derived models that include in vivo tumor fragments, in vitro tumor lines (2D and 3D), cancer associated fibroblasts, and DNA/RNA isolates.  The goal of the PDMR is to distribute well validated and highly characterized material to researchers worldwide. A secondary mission is to evaluate the efficacy of approved oncology drugs in combination or as single agents in a subset of rare and recalcitrant PDX tumor models. 

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preparation of protein extracts under conditions that retain the phosphorylation status of proteins
  
• Preparation of DNA and RNA on a large scale with the aim of banking multiple aliquots of each for distribution
  
• Preparation of multiple aliquots of RNA/DNA for distribution including for internal use in STR analysis assays
  
• Careful quantitation of protein, DNA and RNA concentration and assessing quality of the samples using strict quality control guidelines
  
• Determining the percent of mouse contamination in the in vivo and in vitro samples using a real time PCR based assay, gel electrophoresis and imaging
  
• Ability to accurately weigh and solubilize the different drugs/agents used in xenograft drug assays
  
• Ability to provide drugs to in vivo staff in a timely manner when drug prep staff are not available
  
• Ability to maintain careful and accurate logs of all samples that are provided to the laboratory
• The maintenance of proper records is critical as each patient sample is passaged and expanded multiple times in NSG mice or in rats
  
• Experience in training newly hired staff to perform all work and advising lower level staff in their daily tasks 
  
• Performing other routine tasks as needed (e.g. label preparation, stocking the lab etc)
  
• Tasks are performed independently following a training period
  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of a BS/BA degree from an accredited college or university (according to CHEA). (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience
• Ability to be flexible to meet changing needs
  
• Organizational skills and database management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Office
• Ability to maintain precise records
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  
• Ability to work under Biosafety Level-2 conditions
  
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Knowledge of DNA/RNA and protein extraction methods
  
• Knowledge of PCR
  
• Knowledge of drug prep for in vivo drug assays
  
• Knowledge of Microsoft office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  

JOB HAZARDS

• Enroll in OSHA BBP. Must be medically cleared to receive any necessary immunizations per protocol requirements.
  
• Employee would receive vaccinations required and determined by Occupational Health Services (OHS) and/or mandated by Federal Health Standard Regulations
• 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 working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s)
  and/or animal material(s)

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

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