Research Associate II- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory

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

Job summary

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research seeks an experienced bioscience professional to support the Cancer Research Technology Program. The role focuses on culturing immunology-relevant cells, performing toxicity and efficacy assays, and conducting advanced immunophenotyping and metabolic analyses.

The candidate will work with 3D cell models, perform ELISAs and immunohistochemistry, and must be able to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Bioengineering, or related field; foreign degrees evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Minimum of five years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in aseptic mammalian cell culture (primary cells and immortalized lines).
• Experience growing/analyzing 3D cell models (spheroids, organoids).
• Hands-on experience with multicolor flow cytometry, ELISAs, and immunohistochemistry; strong data processing skills.
• Experience operating real-time metabolic analyzers (Seahorse XF) and analyzing OCR/ECAR.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and manipulate cell cultures (2D/3D) for downstream screening; perform histological and cytological analyses.
• Execute cell-based toxicity and efficacy assays (e.g., MTT, LDH) for nanomedicine candidates.
• Perform in vitro immunotoxicity evaluations, including flow cytometry and biomarker analyses.
• Conduct real-time metabolic assays to characterize cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function.

Skills

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Immunohistochemistry

ELISA

Data analysis

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Immunology/Bioengineering or related

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Seahorse XF

Job description

Job ID: req4631

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 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 of discovering 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, and the Antibody Characterization Lab (ACL), which characterizes monoclonal antibodies or other renewable affinity binding reagents for use in cancer-related research. CRTP scientists also work collaboratively with intramural NCI investigators to provide research technologies and expertise.

Founded in 2004 in collaboration with the FDA and NIST, the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) is a public–private partnership dedicated to advancing the science needed to expedite the development of promising nanotechnology-based cancer therapies and diagnostics. To date, the NCL has tested more than 600 unique nanomaterials and collaborated with over 200 academic researchers and companies. Serving as a comprehensive resource and knowledge base, the NCL facilitates the development and clinical translation of cancer nanotechnologies across academia, industry, and government. The NCL fulfills this mission through several key operational areas, which include the following: platform and lead candidate characterization & evaluation, toxicity and safety evaluation, translational research, and method development.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and manipulate cell cultures, including traditional 2D, 3D, and organoid cultures, for downstream screening, including histological and cytological analysis.
• Execute cell-based toxicity and efficacy assays (e.g., MTT, LDH) to screen nanomedicine drug candidates.
• Perform in vitro immunotoxicity evaluations, including multicolor flow cytometry for surface marker expression and supernatant analysis for the presence of soluble biomarkers.
• Perform specialized, real-time assays (such as extracellular flux analysis or Seahorse XF assays) to characterize cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function, and energetic shifts.

Basic Qualifications

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

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in Immunology, Bioengineering, or a related field. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of relevant laboratory experience is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic mammalian cell culture, encompassing primary cells (PBMCs, iPSCs) and immortalized cell lines.
• Practical experience growing and analyzing 3D cell models (spheroids and organoids) for safety and efficacy evaluations.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing multicolor flow cytometry, single/multiplex ELISAs, and immunohistochemistry, coupled with strong analytical data processing skills.
• Hands-on experience operating real-time metabolic analyzers (e.g., Agilent Seahorse XF or equivalent) and analyzing data related to oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Master's degree
• Prior experience handling and evaluating the biological interactions of engineered nanomaterials or nanomedicines.
• Understanding of the preclinical drug development process and regulatory guidelines for safety screening.
• Experience in bioanalytical method development and assay optimization for novel therapeutics.

JOB HAZARDS

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