Research Associate III, Illumina NGS Lab Manager in Frederick, MD

Description

Research Associate III, Illumina NGS Lab Manager

Job ID: req1867
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 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 Molecular Characterization Laboratory (MoCha) is part of Leidos Biomedical Research's Clinical Research Directorate (CRD) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. The MoCha Laboratory is responsible for providing high-level research in support of the NCI-Cancer Diagnostics Program (CDP) within the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD). MoCha is charged with the development and application of genomic assays for use in medical research and diagnostics for DCTD-sponsored national extramural clinical trials. 

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Associate III will serve as the Laboratory Manager of the Illumina NGS Laboratory, and technical lead responsible for facilitating cutting edge genomic research in support of DCTD projects, including the NCI PDX Project, and NCI iMATCH clinical study. 

• Manage scientific staff in the development and optimization of new assays and technologies, leveraging genomics and NGS platforms available at MoCha 
• Perform quality control and troubleshooting activities independently and in consultation with MoCha senior scientific staff 
• Recommend and optimize new NGS assay platforms
• Perform analytical validation of genomic and NGS assays
• Develop and maintain SOPs for above-mentioned research activities and projects
• Perform formal reporting of research data including oral presentations to senior staff, abstracts for scientific meetings, and manuscript preparation for scientific journals
• Maintain knowledge of the most recent literature and scientific presentations relevant to ongoing projects 
• Supervise technicians and ensure applicable standards are maintained
• This position will be located in Frederick, Maryland

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 from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years of experience in lieu of degree.  Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience
• Strong technical skills in molecular assays and/or nucleic acid extraction and a thorough understanding of QC metrics for nucleic acid testing
• Extensive experience working in a NGS laboratory environment and be knowledgeable in all aspects of maintaining a NGS laboratory
• Ability to independently evaluate the suitability and quality control of research or production assays or tests, develop and follow SOPs, and analyze and report data 
• Ability to track information in a large cohort of samples and monitor progress of multiple projects 
• Adequate computer skills to document, organize, and present experimental data
•  Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Masters degree in a relevant field of study
• Extensive experience in genomic and next generation sequencing (NGS) assay development
• Experience in NGS assay automation, troubleshooting, validation and harmonization
• Familiarity with CLIA regulations and documentation
• Familiarity with clinical oncology studies and other protocol-driven clinical research 

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of molecular biology techniques used in genomic research
• General familiarity with cancer biology 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

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s)
• 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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