Translational Pharmacology Research Associate

Job ID: req3946
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 Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. With more than 2,000 employees, the FNLCR is responsible for pursuing a mission of translational and applied biomedical research that is unique from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, or other federal contractors. The selected candidate will join a newly created FNLCR laboratory at the NCI-Frederick campus that is within the NCI Molecular Pharmacology Branch (MPB), which employs state-of-the-art approaches to discover novel targets, evaluate investigational therapeutics, and develop novel drug combinations to improve treatment of recalcitrant, rare, and neglected cancers.

The successful candidate will join a laboratory team to perform, assist with, and analyze experimental studies that are designed to identify and define the mechanisms of action for oncology drug combinations. This position requires a demonstrated ability to work accurately and reliably at the bench in a fast-paced, hands-on, and collaborative environment. The position requires excellent cell culture (sterile) technique, understanding of molecular biology and biochemical methods, communication, and organizational skills (including detailed recordkeeping), and computer literacy. After initial training, the selected candidate is expected to perform protocols independently with minimal guidance, demonstrating accuracy, discretion, and good judgment, and will assist with the generation, collection and analysis of data.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform cell culturing for single- and multi-cell type 2D and 3D in vitro tumor models (e.g., monolayers, spheroids and organoids).
• Prepare all required media solutions, components, and reagents used in cell culturing.
• Prepare stock solutions and buffers for a range of experimental applications.
• Apply various biochemical technologies and methods to perform experiments and collect data.
• Perform basic data analysis and quality control evaluations.
• Assist in the routine maintenance of general laboratory equipment.
• Assure laboratory operation, including tracking of inventories and ordering materials or supplies as needed.
• Perform, operate, and communicate effectively in a team-oriented working environment.

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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience.
• Ability to work under Biosafety Level-2 conditions.
• Previous experience with successful sterile/aseptic culture and propagation of mammalian cells.
• Previous experience performing biochemical and molecular biology assays of mammalian cells.
• Demonstrated ability to implement experimental protocols and methods in the laboratory.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a capacity to work in a team environment.
• Ability to be flexible and meet changing needs and schedules.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Prior experience in an applied R&D environment, such as a research institute, the pharmaceutical sector, and/or the biotechnology sector.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory methods to label mammalian cells for tracking cell location and cell fate in in vitro and/or in vivo models.
• Hands-on experience treating mammalian cell cultures with anti-cancer medicines.

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.

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