Research Associate I/II, Clinical

Job ID: req3413
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Clinical 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.

PROGRAMDESCRIPTION 

The Molecular CharacterizationLaboratory (MoCha) is part of Leidos Biomedical Research’s Clinical ResearchDirectorate (CRD) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. Ourlaboratory consists of a dynamic team of over 40 scientific, informatics andsupport staff. For over 10 years, MoCha has worked closely with theNational Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD)in support of DCTD-sponsored clinical trials and pre-clinical studies. We arededicated to implementing cutting-edge genomic technologies to identify newpredictive biomarkers and to make translational discoveries that will improvethe lives of patients with cancer. The Molecular CharacterizationLaboratory (MoCha) focuses on development and application of novel genomicassays for clinical applications

***This position can be hired at either the Research Associate I or II level.

KEYROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

TheResearch Associate I/II will perform nucleic acid extractions, single cellgenomics, spatial transcriptomics, ctDNA and other next generation sequencing(NGS) assays both manually and using automated platforms to facilitate cuttingedge genomic research in support of DCTD projects, e.g., MDNET clinical trials,NCI-MATCH correlative studies, and genomic characterization of patient samplesenrolled in ETCTN/NCLN clinical trials.

• Performs nucleic acid extractions, single cell genomics,spatial transcriptomics, ctDNA and other NGS assays
• Performs next generation sequencing assays followingdetailed SOPs, in both research and regulated settings
• Makes detailed observations, follows thorough and timelyrecordkeeping processes, analyzes data and interprets results
• Exercises independent judgment in developing and/ormodifying methods and techniques for solving scientific problems
• Maintains essential laboratory supplies and monitorsequipment for optimum performance
• Investigates, creates and develops new methods andtechnologies for project advancement utilizing sound scientific judgement
• Writes SOPs and performs formal reporting of research data,including presentations and/or scientific publications
• Will be key staff member for above-mentioned activities
• Maintains high level of professional expertise throughfamiliarity with scientific literature and presentations
• May participate in scientific conferences and contribute toscientific journals
• May be responsible for identifying patentable inventions
• This positionwill be located in Frederick, Maryland

BASICQUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possessionof a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university according to theCouncil for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years ofexperience in lieu of degree
• Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
  • Research Associate I - In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience
  • Research Associate II- In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience
• Ability to track information in a large cohort of samplesand monitor progress of multiple projects
• Ability to independently evaluate the suitability and quality control of research or production assays or tests, develop and follow SOPs, and analyze and report data
• Strong technical skills in molecular assays and/or nucleic acid extraction and understanding of QC metrics of nucleic acids
• Ability to independently evaluate the suitability and quality control of research or production assays or tests, develop and follow SOPs, and analyze and report data
• Strong technical skills in molecular assays and/or nucleic acid extraction and understanding of QC metrics of nucleic acids
• Adequate computer skills to document, organize, and presentexperimental data
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and inwriting
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Experienceworking in a CLIA, CAP, GLP, or ISO accredited laboratory
• Experiencein NGS genomic profiling assays
• Experiencein genomic assay development and workflow automation
• Familiaritywith clinical oncology studies and other protocol-driven clinical research

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES

• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel,Powerpoint, Access)
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Strong technical skills in molecular biological and genomicassays

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)
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