Supervisor, Research Associate - VICD

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research seeks a Lead, Research Associate III to advance immune monitoring, biomarker and cancer research. You will lead assay development in a state-of-the-art lab, guiding multidisciplinary teams and ensuring rigorous data quality.

The role emphasizes design of immunoassays, cellular and molecular techniques, high-throughput platforms, and collaboration with scientists and management to translate findings into clinical studies and vaccines.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or six years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Four+ years of progressively responsible experience, incl. 1 year in a leadership capacity.
• Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology and virology.
• Experience with cellular and molecular techniques including tissue culture, aseptic techniques, plasmid production, virus-like particles, western-blot, and PCR.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and deliver high-quality results.
• Familiar with GCLP/GLP standards and electronic documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, qualify/validate and implement novel immune and molecular assays.
• Design and execute experiments for assay platforms including ELISA, neutralization, flow cytometry and sequencing.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve throughput, reproducibility and data quality.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports and presentations.
• Maintain QC/QA procedures and inventory for studies.
• Write SOPs and protocols and assist in training and supervision.

Skills

Leadership

Immunology

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Virology, Molecular Biology, or Immunology

Six years relevant experience in lieu of degree

Tools

LIMS

PCR/qPCR

Western blot

Cell culture

Job description

Job ID: req4708

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) in collaboration with other stakeholders develop assays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against viruses and vaccines in clinical trials.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

The Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) is recruiting for an experienced, highly motivated and innovative Lead, Research Associate III, to join a multidisciplinary team advancing cutting‑edge immune monitoring, biomarker, vaccine, and cancer research. The successful candidate will work in a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory environment equipped with advanced technologies for immune, cell‑based, and molecular assay development and testing. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to the development, optimization, qualification, validation, and implementation of novel assays and emerging technologies supporting translational research, clinical studies, vaccines, immunotherapies, and cancer research. This position reports to the Scientific Manager and under the direction and guidance of the manager, the following tasks will be performed:

• Develop, optimize, qualify/validate, and implement novel immune, cell-based, and molecular assays with minimal supervision
• Design and execute experiments supporting innovative assay platforms, including technologies such as:
  • ELISA and multiplex immunoassays
  • Viral neutralization and functional antibody assays
  • Cell-based functional and reporter assays
  • Mammalian cell culture
  • Flow cytometry and immune-cell phenotyping
  • Cytokine and immune-response assays
  • PCR/qPCR and other nucleic-acid-based assays
  • Molecular and biomarker assays
  • Transcriptomics and sequencing
• Emerging high-throughput and multiplex technologies
  • Carry out experimental design and troubleshooting independently, in consultation with manager
  • Evaluate and integrate novel assay technologies, advanced instrumentation, automation, robotics, and laboratory software to improve assay performance, throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.
  • Prepare manuscripts, reports and scientific presentations
  • Ensure laboratory procedures and testing are compliant with internal requirements, such as GCLP and quality system, as necessary
  • Assist in evaluating, analyzing, compiling data, and present findings at meetings
  • Responsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining inventory for the studies
  • Perform literatures searches and reviews that will contribute to the development of new assays
  • Write SOPs, protocols, manuscripts for publications
  • Perform 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 Master’s degree in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, particularly in Immunology, or a related field, from in accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or six (6) 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 four (4) years of progressively responsible experience, including one (1) years of experience in a leadership/manager capacity of full-time staff
• Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology
• Experience in cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western-blot, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCR
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging relevant scientific literature and immune profiling technologies
• Ensures assay rigor, reproducibility, and compliance with GCLP/GLP standards where applicable
• Flexibility to adopt new emerging techniques and technologies and to troubleshoot effectively
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects effectively and meet timelines successfully
• Experience with managing and analyzing large data sets and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data
• Excellent record keeping and organizational skills
• Exceptional critical thinking and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PPT
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral)
• Familiar with LIMS and Master Control (or other electronic documentation system)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular biology or related field in GCLP Clinical Immunology Lab or other related areas in Biotech or Pharma Industry setting
• Three to five (3-5) years of managerial experience
• Familiarity with diagnostics and clinical trials
• Understanding of GCLP requirements and other FDA regulatory requirements for immunological testing
• Experience in conducting assay validation, including protocol and report writing
• Experience with LIMS and robotics
• Experience compiling and analyzing large data sets
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Regulatory knowledge pertinent to standards GCLP, CLIA or FDA guidelines for clinical assays
• Experience managing clinical immunological studies and consortia activities
• Experience working internationally in the areas of assay standardization

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of immunology, immune assays, diagnostics, vaccines and clinical research
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix and team‑oriented environment
• Ability to identify and solve complex problems
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Strong Computer skills and experience with relevant software such as Softmax, Excel, PowerPoint, ability to analyze data using statistical tools (e.g. JMP, Prism)

Job Requirements

• Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous chemical or biological materials or may be located in areas where such materials are used
• Work may involve lifting objects not greater than 20 pounds
• Other job requirements are list in the Job Profile Questionnaire (JPQ) for this position

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations

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

79,500.00 - 113,600.00 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