Research Associate II

Research Associate II

Job ID: req3572
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

·        Aid in the daily maintenance and cryopreservation of the various cultures grown in different medias

·        Establish organoid cultures from patient samples and from tumors isolated from mice

·        Prepare cultures for the various validation assays (flow cytometry, cell sorting, Q RT PCR, soft agar clonal assays, RNA/DNA extraction, the STR identity assay, proliferation assays, etc)  

·        Prepare all required medias, components and reagents used in the culture of organoid cultures

·        Participate in evaluating the effects of different basement membrane extracts, media additives, as well as different protocols on the establishment and growth of both 2D and 3D cell lines

·        Extract DNA from 2D and 3D cell lines for use in various PCR assay

·        Perform the MKPV assay using PCR and gel electrophoresis

·        Manage the supply inventory so that critical reagents are not missing at any time

·        Perform FACS analysis assays as needed

·        Manage the different tasks that the organoid team perform to ensure completion within the designated time frame

·        Aid in other routine tasks as needed such as cell photography, PowerPoint presentations, tube/plate labeling, cell deliveries/pick-ups etc

·        Maintain precise documentation of each 2D/3D cell line in Excel spreadsheets.

·        Experience working with patient and patient-derived samples under strict BSL2 safety conditions

·        Tasks are performed independently and initially will involve training and supervision

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

·        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.

·        Two-five years of experience working in a research setting developing patient-derived 2D and 3D organoid cell lines

·        Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

·        Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office

·        Demonstrated organizational skills and database management skills

·        Ability to maintain precise records

·        Ability to be flexible to meet changing needs

·        Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

·        Ability to work alone as well as part of a team

·        Good written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·        Knowledge of sterile eukaryotic tissue culture techniques

·        Knowledge of organoid cell culture

·        Previous experience working under BSL-2 conditions

JOB HAZARDS OR REQUIREMENTS

          Enroll in OSHA BBP. Must be medically cleared to receive any necessary immunizations per protocol requirements.

         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.

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.

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