Research Associate III - copy

Job ID: req3346
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer
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 Frederick National Laboratoryis a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by theNational Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research,Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problemsin the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development andfirst-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, andrapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.
The Vaccine, Immunity, and CancerDirectorate (VICD) at the Frederick National Laboratory has a primary missionto provide scientific leadership and laboratory infrastructure to study immuneresponses to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and other cancer preventivestrategies in the context of clinical and pre-clinical studies. More recently,VICD is also leading initiatives on SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines.
Our core values of accountability,compassion, collaboration, dedication, integrity, and versatility serve as aguidepost for how we do our work every day in serving the public’sinterest.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Weare seeking an individual with a strong background in molecular biology andimmunology to work at the HPV Serology Laboratory to lead projects in the areaof vaccine immunogenicity. The aim ofthis project is to generate standardized sets of reagents, develop assays forassessment of antibody responses to HPV and conduct high throughputimmunogenicity testing of vaccines in the context of clinical trials.
Responsibilities include, but are not limitedto, the following:

• Perform tissue culture and immunological/virologic techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles. 
• Oversee serology projects from conception to execution.
• Responsible for sample management.
• Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infection and vaccines.
• Plan experiments and lead testing of large number of samples from clinical studies.
• Design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently.
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data, maintain databases.
• Responsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment and inventories.
• Prepare reports, present data and participate in report and proposal preparation.
• Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques; 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be consideredfor this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilitieslisted below:

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree in immunology, vaccinology, or molecular biology from an accredited college/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.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of related biomedical laboratory experience.
• Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology.
• Expertise in tissue culture and immunological/virologic techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western-blot, ELISA, Luminex assays, flow cytometry, virus neutralization assays and PCR.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• MS in immunology, vaccinology, virology or molecular biology.
• Experience in immune assay (ELISA, multiplex assays) development and validation under GCLP or GLP environment.
• Experience handling large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA.
• Experience using robotics.
• Experience with electronic documentation systems and LIMS.

JOBHAZARDS

• Work may involve the use of potentially hazardouschemical or biological materials or may be located in areas where suchmaterials are used.
• 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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