Research Associate I, Histology - Molecular & Digital Pathology Lab, CGR

BioSpace; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. in Rockville, MD seeks a Research Associate I to contribute to CGR’s cancer genomics ambitions, performing histology and related tissue analyses.

You will handle embedding, microtomy, H&E and IHC staining, digitize slides with a scanner, support spatial genomics platforms, and maintain meticulous records in LIMS and Jira while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The role also emphasizes adherence to quality control standards, safety protocols, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 4 years experience in biomedical/biochemical research or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years histology lab experience.
• Knowledge of tissue processing, embedding, microtomy/cryotomy, H&E staining, slide coverslipping, and QC of slides.
• Experience with chromogenic/fluorescent assays on FFPE and frozen sections.
• Proficiency with automated histopathology instrumentation (microtomes, stainers, coverslippers, microscopes).
• Attention to detail; analytical, innovative, self-motivated.
• Team-oriented with strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic histology techniques including embedding, microtomy, cryotomy, H&E and IHC staining and cover slipping.
• Digitize H&E and IHC/IF slides using a slide scanner.
• Support spatial genomics with multiple technologies.
• Perform preventive maintenance on instrumentation per SOPs and vendor guidelines.
• Document all experimental and lab processes in LIMS, Jira and other tracking systems.
• Maintain a safe and efficient lab environment and adhere to quality control standards.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree / 4 years exp

Histology experience

H&E staining

IHC staining

Automated histology instruments

Tissue processing

Quality control

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in biomedical/biochemical

Tools

Leica BondRX

Roche Ventana

LIMS (LabVantage)

Jira

Slide scanners

Job description

Job ID: req4713

Employee Type: exempt full-time

Division: Clinical Research Directorate

Facility: Rockville: 9615 MedCtrDr

Location: 9615 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 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 Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory (CGR) investigates the contribution of germline and somatic genetic variation to cancer susceptibility and outcomes in support of the NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), the world’s most comprehensive cancer epidemiology research group. CGR is located at the NCI-Shady Grove campus in Rockville, MD and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. We care deeply about discovering the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer, and new approaches to cancer prevention, through our contributions to the molecular, genetic and epidemiologic research of the 70+ investigators within DCEG.

Working in concert with epidemiologists, biostatisticians and basic research scientists in DCEG intramural research program, CGR provides the capacity to conduct genome-wide discovery studies and targeted regional approaches to identify the heritable determinants of various forms of cancer. This includes the design and analysis of high throughput studies using various types of "-omics" technologies such as array and sequence-based genome-wide association studies, studies of tumor characteristics using integrated genomic data analysis and molecular epidemiologic studies based on novel assays focused on the metabolome and microbiome.

Within CGR, the Molecular Digital Pathology Laboratory (MDPL) supports the generation of comprehensive data on histological and molecular profiling of tumors and their precursors including histology, various approaches for biomarker analysis, digital pathology and image analysis. This laboratory section is tightly integrated with existing CGR capabilities which include somatic genomic analysis and bioinformatics. We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced histologist for the Research Associate I position within MDPL.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Perform basic histology techniques, including embedding, microtomy, cryotomy, H&E and IHC staining and cover slipping.
• Digitize H&E and IHC/IF slides using a slide scanner.
• Support spatial genomics through use of multiple technologies including Ultivue and Visium HD.
• Perform preventive maintenance on instrumentation in accordance with established SOP’s and vendor guidelines.
• Ensure proper documentation of all experimental and laboratory processes in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Jira and other tracking systems as required.
• Maintain a safe and efficient laboratory environment and adhere to all laboratory protocols and quality control standards.

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/university to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in a field related to biomedical/biochemical research or four (4) years equivalent experience in the appropriate field in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years related histology laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of basic histological techniques, including tissue processing and embedding, microtomy/cryotomy, H&E staining, slide cover slipping, microscopic recognition of major human tissue types, and QC of unstained and stained slides.
• Experience in chromogenic and fluorescent assay execution on automated staining platforms using human FFPE and frozen tissue sections.
• Proficiency with automated histopathology instrumentation, including microtomes, H&E stainers, slide coverslippers, brightfield and fluorescent microscopes, stereoscopes, and IHC stainers.
• Careful attention to detail. Must be analytical, innovative, and self-motivated.
• Team-oriented with excellent written, verbal communication skills and organizational skills plus the ability to organize and execute multiple projects in parallel both independently and as part of working groups, demonstrated ability to interact effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to be flexible to meet changing needs.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• HT/HTL (ASCP) certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists.
• Demonstrated experience with microtomy using both manual and automated methods with archival human FFPE oncology tissue samples.
• Familiarity with Leica BondRX and Roche Ventana for immunohistochemistry staining with both single and multiplex protocols.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, such as RNA, DNA, and protein purification; RNase-free tissue handling of fixed and frozen biological material.
• Working experience with hand macro-dissection of FFPE samples.
• Experience with brightfield and florescence slide scanners (Leica AT2 and Zeiss Axio Scan.Z1).
• Experience with LabVantage LIMS and Jira documentation system.
• Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of proper storage, management, and handling of a diverse collection of FFPE and frozen human biospecimens.
• Strong sense of personal responsibility and ability to work with a team.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute multiple projects.

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