Research Associate I

Research Associate I

Job ID: req3596
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: AIDS & Cancer Virus 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 AIDS and Cancer Virus Program (ACVP) is an integrated, multidisciplinary program that pursues basic and applied studies aimed at improving our understanding of AIDS-associated viruses, including studies intended to facilitate the improved diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HIV infection and AIDS, and AIDS related tumors, particularly those associated with other viruses such as KSHV. The Program consists of several independent but highly interactive research Sections headed by Principal Investigators, whose work spans from fundamental molecular virology through in vitro studies, to in vivo studies in non-human primate (NHP) models, to international viral epidemiology.  The ACVP also has Research Support Core Groups (Cores) that provide critical and often unique technical support capabilities to ACVP laboratories and other laboratories within the NCI and NIH, and to extramural investigators.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for a Research Associate I to join our dynamic, interactive, multidisciplinary research team studying effective T cell responses to AIDS and cancer viruses, including engineering of T cells for treatment and prevention of infection. The successful candidate will be able to work well in a small team environment, consistently follow detailed protocols and instructions, and keep careful records. Specific duties will include:

Use of molecular biology techniques (PCR, ligation, transformation, plasmid preparation, restriction enzyme digest, gel electrophoresis and transfection) to construct retroviral vectors. Maintenance of cell line and primary cell cultures, genetic engineering of rhesus macaque primary cells by retroviral transduction, antibody staining and analysis of cells for phenotype and function by flow cytometry. *

This position is funded through a one year (8/31/23-8/30/24) LDER grant. Possibility of extension or transfer of position beyond 8/30/24 date based on project evaluation and employee performance.

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 molecular biology experience (PCR, ligation, transformation, plasmid preparation, restriction enzyme digest, gel electrophoresis and transfection).
Ability to independently carry out experimental procedures and perform trouble shooting to ensure the timely completion of overall project.
Competent with computer operations including Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.


Preferred Qualifications
Experience with software related to molecular biology assay analysis (SnapGene, Sequencher, etc.)
Experience with cell culture of cell lines and human or nonhuman primate primary cells
Flow cytometry and related analysis software (Flow Jo or FCS Express)

Job Hazards
This position is subject to working with or have potential exposure to animal material.
This position is subject to working with or have potential exposure to infectious material.


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

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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