Research Associate II, Cell Biology in Frederick, MD

Description

Research Associate II, Cell Biology

Job ID: req1487
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Facility: ATRF: Other
Location: 8560 Progress Drive, Frederick, MD 21701 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and 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.

Our core values of accountability, compassion, collaboration, dedication, integrity, and versatility serve as a guidepost for how we do our work every day in serving the public's interest.  

 Position Overview:

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 to discover 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.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

We are seeking a self-motivated research associate to join the Cell Biology group. The successful candidate will have extensive experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques, and be responsible for developing, optimizing and performing cell-based assays and screening. The candidate will play a key role in supporting multiple target identification and validation projects. She/he will work closely with scientists from the Cell Biology group and will have opportunities to interact with members from other functional groups within the RAS initiative.

• Maintain standard mammalian cell cultures (human and mouse cell lines)
• Plan and conduct molecular and cellular biology experiments for compound screening and mechanism of action studies
• Contribute to daily laboratory operation and safety including equipment maintenance, preparing and ordering reagents and supplies as needed
• Analyze, interpret and communicate experimental results in group meetings
• Work collaboratively with other functional groups within the RAS initiative
• Maintain detailed records of experimental design and results
• Keep abreast of published scientific literature and provide input in experiment optimization and design

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in a related scientific discipline from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education); Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of 5 years of related lab experience
• Knowledge of or experience working in a cell biology laboratory
• Basic scientific knowledge of signaling pathways related to oncology
• Expertise in standard mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques
• Hands-on experience in diverse molecular biology techniques (e.g. one or more of the following: Western blot, qRT-PCR, ELISA, immunoprecipitation and genetic manipulation using small molecules, RNAi and lentiviral/retroviral transduction)
• Experience with cell-based assay development (for example, HTRF, AlphaLISA, luciferase reporter), ideally in a high throughput setting with liquid handling platforms
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), and GraphPad
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience with CRISPR gene editing technology
• Experience with flow cytometry
• Team orientated, with strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to quality and attention to details
• Willingness and interest to learn and master new technologies and techniques

JOB HAZARDS

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

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) | Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) | Drug Free Workplace (DFW)

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