Research Associate I- CLIA Genomics at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

Research Associate I- CLIA Genomics

Job ID: req4213
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Cancer Research Technology Program
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 Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives. The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community. A major focus of the CRTP is the NCI RAS Initiative with the goal to discover new therapeutic interventions against RAS-driven cancers. In addition, the CRTP hosts the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) which performs and standardizes preclinical efficacy and toxicity testing of nanoparticles intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, the Antibody Characterization Lab (ACL) which characterizes monoclonal antibodies or other renewable affinity binding reagents for use in cancer related research and the Clinical Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) that provides genomics and proteomics-based CLIA certified services for clinical investigations. CRTP scientists also work collaboratively with intramural NCI investigators to provide research technologies and expertise.  

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for performing existing clinical assays, including sample handling, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, quantification, primer design, PCR optimizations, enzymatic and bead purifications, gel chip electrophoresis QC, array, quantitative PCR, Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, digital PCR, mass spectrometry, and sequencing on various instruments.
• Responsible for assisting with new assay development and protocol amendments. All projects are of a highly specialized nature and require technical proficiency and judgment. This includes novel next-generation sequencing assays on existing and novel platforms, database management.
• Participating in meetings to review results, preparation of reports and documents as required.
• Assignments include assisting with presentations and/or scientific publications.
• Requires adherence to strict safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment.
• Responsible for troubleshooting and problem-solving biological assays with guidance from supervisor, participating in validation studies, drafting SOPs.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of related experience
• Strong background in molecular biology and genetics with familiarity of mutation screening and sequence data analysis.
• Background with electronic information management systems such as electronic laboratory notebooks or laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Ability to quality control research and production assays or tests, analyze and report data.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must work well in a team environment as well as work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Teams, PowerPoint and Word.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Experience in a regulated laboratory setting, preferably with CLIA, FDA, GCLP, or GLP background.
• Experience with writing and adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Experience with FileMaker Pro and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) databases.
• Hands-on experience with clinical research and clinical assay development such as microarrays, PCR, digital PCR, quantitative PCR, Sanger sequencing, fragment analysis, mass spectrometry, next-generation sequencing, immuno-histochemistry, and other protocol-driven clinical research is a plus.
• Understanding of genetics, genomics, and proteomics assays and parameters highly desirable. Familiarity with RNA, DNA, protein extraction a plus. Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to understand current scientific data and compare controls to samples, pass/fail results, observe historical trends, equipment maintenance and test validation requirements.
• Experience with unidirectional laboratory workflow.
• Experience in troubleshooting high complexity genomic workflows.
• Knowledge in mass spectrometry, immuno-histochemistry, formalin-fixed paraffin embedded samples’ nucleic acid isolations, quality metrics, data analysis reporting in a timely manner required for a clinical laboratory.

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s).
• 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.

56,700.00 - 97,375.00

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.

#readytowork

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