Lab Animal Research Associate I/II

Job ID: req2524
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Laboratory Animal Science 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 Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease. The Animal Research Technical Support (ARTS) team within LASP utilizes advanced methodologies to perform research into the development of new cancer models, targeted diagnostics, and cancer therapies.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Associate is responsible for supervision and management of staffing, equipment, and technical procedures in the Gnotobiotic Animal Facility.

• Performing colony management of germ-free breeding colonies and conducting of complex experimental procedures
• Operation and maintenance of flexible film isolator
• Maintenance of real time animal colony database
• Designing optimal breeding strategies
• Independently designing and scheduling experimental studies
• Perform experiments including surgical procedures utilizing experimental compounds and chemical carcinogens
• Perform injections via various routes
• Monitoring phenotypes, tumor measurements and treatment responses
• Collecting blood and tissues
• Tumor measuring
• Supervision and training of husbandry and lower-level technical staff
• Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous radiological, chemical, and biological materials
• This is a change in facility
• Work may include weekends and holidays

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) in a field related to biomedical research or four (4) years equivalent experience in the appropriate field in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• LEVEL I - In addition to educational requirements, a minimum of two (2) years progressively responsible job-related biomedical experience
• LEVEL II - In addition to educational requirements, a minimum of five (5) years job-related biomedical experience
• Experience in rodent breeding colony management and associated procedures
• Experience in performing experimental procedures inside isolators
• Experience in performing experimental procedures
• Ability to maintain precise, accurate records
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities and the basic requirements for maintaining laboratory animals and performing scientific procedures involving animal testing and data collection
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Experience in performing surgical procedures on rodents
• AALAS certification
• Knowledge or experience in working in semi-rigid or flexible film isolators
• Computer/data entry skills
• Excellent observation and organization skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Excellent written and oral communications 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.
• This position is subject to atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a respirator, requiring a medical clearance.
• This position is subject to working in or have the potential to exposure to high noise levels for extended periods of time requiring medical clearance.
• This position may require continuous or intermittent exposure to and exertion in environmental conditions such as working outdoors, temperature extremes, humidity extremes. etc. as part of the job.
• This position is subject to working with radioactive material and requires to become an approved radiation worker.

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

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