Research Associate Supervisor - Influenza Immunology (VICD)

Job ID: req4530

Employee Type: exempt full-time

Division: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate

Facility: Frederick: ATRF

Location: 8560 Progress Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is 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 Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) has a primary mission to provide scientific leadership and laboratory infrastructure to study immune responses to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and other cancer preventive strategies in the context of preclinical and clinical studies. As of recent and part of a large effort, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) and other stakeholders are developing vaccines with durable protection for seasonal influenza virus. VICD is leading the development of immunoassays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against the virus and vaccine.

VICD is recruiting for a Research Associate Supervisor to work in a new high impact laboratory that will develop and implement validated immunoassays to be utilized in clinical trial studies, within an internationally recognized research directorate. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working under the Good Clinical Laboratory Practices, with deep understanding of the immunology of influenza viruses or other respiratory viruses, infections and vaccines. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape new scientific directions within a mission-driven environment that integrates new assay development, translational research, and clinical evaluation of new preventive strategies.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

The Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate (VICD) is recruiting for a Research Associate Supervisor to support the Scientific Manager in managing a laboratory team that will develop, standardize, and validate a variety of new serology and cellular immunity assays, and conduct sample testing within critical trials.

• Oversee laboratory projects from conception to execution
• Responsible for sample management and inventory
• Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infections and vaccines
• Plan experiments and conduct testing of large number of samples from clinical studies
• Design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently and assist laboratory staff to advance the experiments or studies
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data, and 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
• Contribute or write SOPs or protocols in Master Control
• Utilize Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for laboratory operation
• Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

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 four (4) years of progressively responsible experience, including one (1) years of experience in a leadership/manager capacity
• Deep knowledge of viral immunology, in particular influenza immunology
• Proven ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments
• Experience in development, validation and implementation of advanced immunological assays, including ELISA and antibody-based serological assays, such as for avidity and isotype characterization, Multiplex platforms (e.g., Luminex), using high-throughput immunogenicity testing systems
• Experience in performing T-cell and B-cell epitope mapping and T-cell and B-cell functional analyses, using multi-color flow cytometry and other technologies
• Proficiency in multicolor or spectral flow cytometry, including panel design, acquisition, and high-dimensional analysis.
• Experience in cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western-blot, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCR
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging relevant scientific literature and immune profiling technologies
• Ensures assay rigor, reproducibility, and compliance with GCLP/GLP standards where applicable
• Flexibility to adopt new emerging techniques and technologies and to troubleshoot effectively
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects effectively and meet timelines successfully
• Experience with managing and analyzing large data sets and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data
• Excellent record keeping and organizational skills
• Exceptional critical thinking and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PPT
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral)
• Familiar with LIMS and Master Control (or other electronic documentation system)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Possession of Master’s degree or PhD
• Experience supporting immunology components of clinical trials, including multi-omics projects
• Familiarity with integrated immune profiling approaches combining serological, cellular, and molecular data
• Experience with robotics and electronic documentation systems and LIMS
• Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA
• Familiarity with human research subject requirements and regulations
  
  

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations
  
  

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, 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.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here

77,600.00 - 110,959.00 USD

The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data.

The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions