Research Associate II

Job ID: req3924
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 Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. With more than 2,000 employees, the FNLCR is responsible for pursuing translational and applied biomedical research that is unique from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, or other federal contractors.

The selected candidate will join Laboratory of Human Retrovirology and Immunoinformatics (LHRI), Applied and Developmental Research Directorate (ADRD), located at the NCI-Frederick campus. LHRI is composed of three sections (Basic Research, Clinical/Translational Research, and Bioinformatics). The mission of this laboratory is to investigate the mechanism of immune and viral responses in infected individuals utilizing microbiological, biochemical and immunological techniques, and bioinformatics analysis. LHRI has been studying the mechanism of drug resistance and viral fitness in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and Innate immune responses against RNA or DNA virus infection under contract with NIAID/NIH. Our research aims to understand the mechanism of HIV infection and persistent immune activation during antiretroviral therapy and develop novel therapies to support NIAID clinical studies for PLWHA.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBLITIES

We are seeking an individual with a strong background in molecular biology, virology, and immunology to work at the LHRI Laboratory to work on projects in the area of innate immunology or HIV proviruses. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• With limited supervision, design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently.
• Perform basic data analysis and optimize experiment procedures.
• Assist in the routine maintenance of general laboratory equipment.
• Contribute to the ordering of laboratory supplies and tracking inventory.
• Perform, operate, and communicate effectively in a group, team-oriented working environment.
• The use of personal protective equipment and strict adherence to safety protocols will be required.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of related biomedical hands-on experience.
• Hands-on experience with basic biology skills: cell cultures, PCR, WB, and molecular cloning.
• Ability to be flexible to meet experiment plan needs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Possession of a Masters (with 2-3 years related working experience) or PhD degree (with 0-1 year experience) in relevant studies.
• Prior experience working in the field of immunology or virology.

JOB HAZARDS

• 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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