Scientist II

Job ID: req3941
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Basic Science 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 Basic Science Program (BSP) pursues independent, multidisciplinary research in basic and applied molecular biology, immunology, retrovirology, cancer biology, and human genetics. Research efforts are an integral part of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). The Structural Biology Section (SBS), a lab within the Center for Structural Biology, determines structures of protein-protein, protein-DNA and protein-RNA complexes by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Current research projects focus on human APOBEC3 proteins. APOBEC3 proteins are single-stranded DNA cytosine deaminase, and they can restrict HIV-1 infection by mutating the HIV-1 genome, while they can cause mutations of human gene in some cancer cells. Our goal is to understand molecular mechanism of APOBEC3 functions, structurally, biochemically, and biologically in order to modulate their functions toward development of new therapeutics for AIDS and cancer.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

 The individual will determine structures of human APOBEC3 proteins and its complexes with ssDNA, inhibitors and binding proteins using X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM. The structure determination includes purification of proteins, designing of DNA oligomers, optimization of buffer conditions, optimizing cryo-EM grid conditions, remotely recording X-ray diffraction data by synchrotron, recording cryo-EM movies, analyzing X-ray diffraction data and reconstruction of 3D structures. This work requires comprehensive knowledge of biophysical experimental techniques, protein biochemistry, and human immunology related to HIV. This individual requires positive interactions, both verbally and in writing, with other investigators in and out of the SBS.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of a PhD degree in a field related to structural biology from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of related experience.
• Excellent knowledge of biomolecular structures, X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.
• Ability to use standard software for X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.
• Ability to use biophysical equipment including MST, mass photometry, fluorescence plate reader.
• Basic knowledge of enzymology, human immunology.
• Ability to participate in active discussions to routinely share data and knowledge.
• High level of competency in protein structure determination.
• Excellent communication and writing skills to be able to fully interact with investigators.
• Basic computational skills on Linux.
• Outstanding experience in laboratory experimental techniques.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

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.
#readytowork