Research Associate II, Stem Cell Lab

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 is seeking a skilled scientist to independently perform iPSC culture, differentiation, and cryopreservation to support organoid and disease modeling research.

The role involves designing complex assays, characterizing cell products, maintaining meticulous records, and mentoring junior staff within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of related experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of five years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently performing iPSC culture, maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and differentiation.
• Designing and troubleshooting complex cell-based assays and related techniques.
• Characterizing iPSC lines and differentiated products using flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, qPCR and microscopy.
• Maintaining accurate lab records and preparing technical reports.
• Managing lab operations including inventory and equipment maintenance.
• Training junior staff on stem cell culture and SOPs.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on standardized organoid models.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic technique

Molecular biology techniques

Data analysis software

Microsoft Office

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Flow cytometry

qPCR

Microscopy

ELISA

Western blotting

Job description

Job ID: req4636

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. LASP also provides primary support to the NIH Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Initiative to address the need for validated, scalable, and reproducible organoid-based Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs) in biomedical research. Our team provides technical infrastructure, operational integration, and specialized expertise to drive the development and optimization of organoid models of normal (non-cancerous) human tissues derived from a wide range of tissue types and donor sources.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Independently performing human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, maintenance, expansion, cryopreservation, and differentiation using established and evolving protocols to support organoid and disease modeling research.
• Designing, executing, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex cell-based assays, molecular and cellular biology techniques, and quality control procedures to ensure reproducibility and scientific rigor.
• Performing comprehensive characterization of iPSC lines and differentiated cell products using techniques such as flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, qPCR, microscopy, and other molecular and cellular assays.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records, analyzing and interpreting experimental data, preparing technical reports, and contributing to presentations, manuscripts, and SOP development.
• Managing laboratory operations including inventory, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and ensuring compliance with biosafety, quality, and laboratory standards.
• Training and mentoring junior laboratory personnel on stem cell culture techniques, laboratory best practices, and experimental procedures while contributing to a collaborative research environment.
• Working closely with multidisciplinary investigators to support the development, optimization, and implementation of standardized, scalable iPSC- and organoid-based preclinical models for the NIH Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Initiative.

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 the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and standard laboratory practices.
• Experience performing basic molecular and cellular biology techniques and maintaining accurate laboratory documentation.
• Must possess basic Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related life science discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with human iPSC culture, reprogramming, differentiation, and quality control.
• Experience with organoid culture and/or 3D cell culture systems is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and molecular and cellular biology methods including immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, and microscopy.
• Experience with assay development, experimental optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks, data analysis software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects independently while maintaining meticulous documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

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