Research Associate II - VICD

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 72,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in Frederick, MD, seeks an experienced immunology/biomedical scientist to develop and implement validated immunoassays for clinical trial studies. The role requires tissue culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR and adherence to GCLP/GLP practices.

It is an onsite, full-time position with extensive data management responsibilities. Candidates should have a strong record of immunology and virology knowledge, excellent communication, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in immunology, vaccinology, or molecular biology or four years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a related biomedical laboratory.
• Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology.
• Expertise in tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques (aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, plasmid/virus-like particle production, ELISA, Luminex, flow cytometry, virus neutralization, PCR).
• Experience in T cell functional analyses using multi-color flow cytometry and panel design.

Responsibilities

• Perform tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, including aseptic techniques and cell line maintenance.
• Develop and qualify/validate T cell assays by multi-color flow cytometry.
• Perform serology projects from conception to execution.
• Responsible for sample management and inventory using laboratory information management systems.
• Optimize and validate procedures for assessment of immune responses.
• Perform immunoassays and testing of samples from clinical studies.
• Implement protocols and troubleshoot assays and experiments independently.
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data; maintain databases.

Skills

Immunology knowledge

Virology knowledge

Flow cytometry

ELISA

PCR

T cell analysis

Data organization

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in immunology, vaccinology, or molecular biology

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Job ID: req4706

Employee Type: exempt full-time

Division: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate

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 Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) at the Frederick National Laboratory investigates immune responses to vaccines in preclinical and clinical studies. The Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) and other stakeholders to develop assays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against this new virus. To address gaps and unmet needs in serology assay development and standardization and to gain a solid fundamental knowledge of the immune response to underlying mechanisms of protection against infection, leveraging the vast expertise and excellence in HPV serology at the FNL.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

We are seeking an individual with a strong background in molecular biology and immunology to develop and implement validated immunoassays to be utilized in clinical trial studies. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in cell culture, flowcytometry, neutralization assay, ELISA, PCR, working under Good Clinical Laboratory Practices, with understand of immunology. This position is not eligible for telework and is a 100% onsite position.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• Perform tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance.
• Develop and qualify/validate T cell assays by multi-color flowcytometry.
• Perform serology projects from conception to execution.
• Responsible for sample management and inventory using laboratory information management systems.
• Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses.
• Perform immunoassays and testing of samples from clinical studies.
• Implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently.
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data, maintain databases.
• Responsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment and inventories.
• Prepare reports, present data and participate in report and proposal preparation.
• SOP development or review and modify SOPs in Master Control and perform validations on processes as required.
• Perform laboratory processes in LIMS.
• Maintain equipment, supply inventory, assist in routine laboratory operation matters.
• Independently troubleshoot assays, processes, laboratory matters and bring to manager’s attention.
• Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques
• Other duties as assigned.

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 in immunology, vaccinology, or molecular biology 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 progressively responsible experience in a related biomedical laboratory.
• Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology.
• Expertise in tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western-blot, ELISA, Luminex assays, flow cytometry, virus neutralization assays and PCR.
• Experience in performing T cell functional analyses, using multi-color flowcytometry and other technologies, including panel design, acquisition, and high-dimensional analyses.
• Excellent record keeping and organization skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral), with proficiency in Word, Excel, PPT.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in immunology, vaccinology, virology or molecular biology.
• Experience managing lab operations.
• Experience in immune assay (ELISA, multiplex assays) development and validation under GCLP or GLP environment.
• Experience handling large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA.
• Experience with robotics and automated systems.
• Experience with electronic documentation systems and LIMS.

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

72,200.00 - 103,400.00 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