Research Associate I, Gene Editing

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research is seeking a Molecular Biologist to design reagents for gene editing, test edits in cultured cells, and prepare sequencing libraries for high-throughput Illumina runs. Candidates should have hands-on experience with PCR, cell culture, and meticulous record-keeping.

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2+ years of molecular biology experience, and be able to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or 4 years relevant experience) or equivalent.
• 2+ years in laboratory molecular biology.
• Experience maintaining cultured cells with sterile techniques.
• Experience designing and performing PCR experiments.
• Meticulous note-taking to maintain accurate records; ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and build reagents for gene editing experiments.
• Test gene editing reagents in cultured cells.
• Isolate nucleic acids from edited cells and perform downstream assays.
• Prepare DNA input for high throughput Illumina sequencing.
• Analyze and interpret results from gene editing experiments.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR experiments

Cell culture

Record keeping

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CRISPR

Illumina sequencing

DNA cloning

Job description

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 nan technology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Program Description

The Laboratory & Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for laboratory and animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of husbandry, veterinary, state-of-the-art technology, and pre-clinical scientific services.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Design and build reagents for gene editing experiments
• Testing gene editing reagents in cultured cells
• Isolating nucleic acids from edited culture cells and performing downstream molecular biology assays (e.g. quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR))
• Preparing DNA input for high throughput Illumina sequencing
• Analysis and interpretation of results from gene editing experiments

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 education requirements, a minimum of two (2) years of experience in laboratory molecular biology
• Experience in maintaining and manipulating cultured cells using sterile techniques
• Experience in designing and performing PCR experiments
• Experience with meticulous note-taking to maintain accurate and precise records
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Gene editing (Zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, or CRISPR technologies)
• Illumina sequencing – preparing DNA sequencing libraries
• Plasmid DNA cloning
• Excellent written and oral communications skills – primary author publications and/or oral presentations

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

59,600.00 - 85,400.00 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