Associate Scientist - Mass Spectrometry Proteomics

Job ID: req3693
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Cancer Research Technology Program
Facility: Frederick: ATRF
Location: 8560 Progress Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 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 Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives. The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community. A major focus of the CRTP is the NCI RAS Initiative with the goal to discover new therapeutic interventions against RAS-driven cancers. In addition, the CRTP hosts the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) which performs and standardizes preclinical efficacy and toxicity testing of nanoparticles intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, and the Antibody Characterization Lab (ACL) which characterizes monoclonal antibodies or other renewable affinity binding reagents for use in cancer related research. CRTP scientists also work collaboratively with intramural NCI investigators to provide research technologies and expertise.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work independently and collaboratively with scientists to perform liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based proteomics experiments, including: protein extraction/digestion, immunoprecipitation, solid-phase extraction (SPE), buffer preparation, enrichment, etc. following established SOPs
• Help operate and maintain state-of-the-art LC-MS instrumentation (SCIEX 7500 and Thermo TSQ Altis) and ensure high quality data generation for targeted proteomics
• Perform comprehensive data analysis using a variety of methods and software, such as Skyline, Excel, R, Python, etc.
• Establish (design, test, and write) new or modify/optimize existing detailed technical SOPs
• Document experimental results in a reproducible manner
• Analyze, interpret, and effectively present data to team members and collaborators
• Comply with all safety procedures and policies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, analytical chemistry or other related discipline from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to educational requirement, a minimum of eight (8) years of related laboratory experience
• Both theoretical and hands-on experience in MS-based targeted (MRM and/or PRM) proteomics, including but not limited to: separation chemistry, sample preparation, LC-MS operation and troubleshooting, and data analysis
• Detail-oriented, highly-collaborative, self-motivated, and team-oriented
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Master's degree in biochemistry, analytical chemistry or other related discipline from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• 6 years of related post graduate MS-based proteomic experience
• Experience operating a SCIEX 7500 and/or Thermo TSQ Altis
• Experience operating a Waters M-Class UPLC, and/or Thermo UltiMate nanoLC (i.e., microflow or nanoflow LC, respectively)
• Experience with Skyline software
• Experience with Covaris ultrasonicators and/or liquid handlers
• Experience performing global proteomics experiments
• Familiarity with CLIA requirements

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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