Research Assoc I

Job ID: req4142

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

• Implant biopsied tumor material derived from patients into mice, monitor the mice daily for tumor growth, measure tumors, harvest tumor tissue for the repository and provide tumor material to staff for the establishment of in vitro cultures, quality control, RNA and DNA preparation for sequencing.
• Update the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tracking sheets and log experimental data into Studylog. The maintenance of proper records is critical as each patient sample will be passaged and expanded multiple times in NSG mice.
• Implant, establish and propagate murine tumor models.
• Perform drug toxicity and drug efficacy studies that require administration of test agents by multiple routes (IV, IP, PO, SC) on schedules varying from a single dose to multiple times per day for multiple days/weeks depending on the agents administered.
• Maintain a proper living environment for test animals.
• Aid in any other routine tasks as needed (tube labeling, sample deliveries/pick-ups, autoclaving instruments, etc.).
• Occasional weekend work is required.
• 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 progressively responsible experience.
• 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:

• Previous animal handling experience.
• Knowledge of basic necropsy techniques.
• Experience with IV, IP, PO, SC injections.
• Previous experience working under ABSL-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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