Research Associate II, Gene Editing

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 70,500 - 100,901; Full time

Job summary

The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research is seeking a Research Associate II in the Laboratory Animal Science Program to advance gene editing projects. You will design reagents, test edits in cultured cells, and perform molecular biology assays including PCR and DNA input preparation for sequencing.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's in a related field or 5+ years of microbiological/molecular biology experience, with meticulous records and the ability to obtain security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical research or four years of related experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum five years of job-related microbiological and molecular biology experience.

Responsibilities

• Designing and building 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 PCR).
• Preparing DNA input for high throughput Illumina sequencing.
• Analysis and interpretation of results from gene editing experiments.
• Laboratory ordering and inventory management.

Skills

Gene editing

PCR

Cell culture

Illumina sequencing

DNA cloning

Python scripting

Record keeping

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in biomedical research

Job description

Job ID: req4639

Employee Type: exempt full-time

Division: Laboratory Animal Science Program

Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick

Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 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 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

The Research Associate II is responsible for:

• Designing and building 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
• Laboratory ordering and inventory management

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 in a field related to biomedical 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 education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years job-related microbiological and molecular biology experience
• Experience in maintaining and manipulating cultured cells using sterile techniques
• Experience in designing and performing PCR experiments
• Meticulous note-taking habits to maintain accurate and precise records
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Gene editing (Zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, or CRISPR technologies)
• Illumina sequencing – preparing DNA sequencing libraries
• Plasmid DNA cloning
• in vitro transcription of RNA
• Mammalian tissue culture experience
• Basic programming – running python code and scripts
• Excellent written and oral communications skills – primary author publications and/or oral presentations
• Strong organizational skills

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

70,500.00 - 100,901.00 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