Research Assoc I

Job ID: req4141

Employee Type: exempt full-time

Division: Applied & Development Research Program

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.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

Program Description

The In Vivo Evaluation Group, BTB, DTP is establishing both in vitro and in vivo tumor lines from patient biopsies from DCTD sponsored clinical trials with the goal of developing models for NCI’s Patient Derived Models Repository (PDMR). The PDMR is a repository of patient-derived models that include in vivo tumor fragments, in vitro tumor lines (2D and 3D), cancer associated fibroblasts, and DNA/RNA isolates. The goal of the PDMR is to distribute well validated and highly characterized material to researchers worldwide. A secondary mission is to evaluate the efficacy of approved oncology drugs in combination or as single agents in a select set of PDX tumor models. In addition to the above, the candidate may also be responsible for establishing, characterizing and propagating murine tumor models. As each model is developed and fully characterized, preclinical studies will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of immuno-oncology agents, small molecule targeted therapies alone or in combination and other agents of interest to the program.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Receive incoming patient tumor material and determine which portions should be placed into in vitro culture and which should be transferred to the animal facility for in vivo implantation.
• Establish 2D cultures from patient samples and from tumors isolated from mice implanted with human tumors.
• Establish murine 2D cultures from tumors isolated from mice implanted with murine tumors.
• Aid in the daily maintenance, passaging and cryopreservation of the various 2D & 3D organoid cultures grown in different medias.
• Preparation of large batches of cells (25-150 flask harvests) for implantation into mice for drug studies or for large batch cryopreservation including cells grown on a variety of supports and media.
• Prepare all required medias, components and reagents used in the culture of 2D and 3D organoid cultures.
• Manage the supply inventory so that critical reagents are not missing at any time.
• Maintain precise documentation of each 2D/3D cell line in Excel spreadsheets -critical as each patient derived cell mixture or mouse cell line will be passaged and expanded multiple times with the intent of delivering carefully documented samples to researchers worldwide.
• Aid in other routine tasks as needed such as cell photography, PowerPoint presentations, tube/plate labeling, cell deliveries/pick-ups etc.
• Experience working with patient and patient-derived samples under strict BSL2 safety conditions.
• Tasks are performed independently and initially will involve training and supervision.
  
  

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 two (2) years of experience working in a research setting developing patient-derived 2D and 3D organoid cell lines or murine 2D cell lines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and database management skills.
• Ability to maintain precise records.
• Ability to be flexible to meet changing needs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work alone as well as part of a team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Knowledge of sterile eukaryotic tissue culture techniques.
• Knowledge of organoid cell culture.
• Previous experience working under BSL-2 conditions.
  
  

Job Hazards Or Requirements

• Enroll in OSHA BBP. Must be medically cleared to receive any necessary immunizations per protocol requirements.
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.
  
  

Commitment to Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, 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.

56,700.00 - 97,375.00

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.

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