Research Associate, Advanced Microscopy at the RAS Initiative

Job ID: req2681
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Cancer Research Technology Program
Facility: Frederick: ATRF
Location: 8560 Progress Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 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 Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives. The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community. A major focus of the CRTP is the NCI RAS Initiative with the goal to discover new therapeutic interventions against RAS-driven cancers. In addition, the CRTP hosts the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) which performs and standardizes preclinical efficacy and toxicity testing of nanoparticles intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, and the Antibody Characterization Lab (ACL) which characterizes monoclonal antibodies or other renewable affinity binding reagents for use in cancer related research. CRTP scientists also work collaboratively with intramural NCI investigators to provide research technologies and expertise.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• This Research Associate will be responsible in planning and execution of experiments to study RAS-effector interactions with membrane using imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy and TIRF-single particle tracking.
• Measure the diffusion of fluorescently labeled lipids and proteins in artificial membranes and live cell plasma membrane.
• Process and analyze large sets of trajectories.
• Assist scientist in single molecule FRET studies of RAS/RAF on membrane.
• Present key findings in team meetings within RAS Initiative and also encouraged to present in external scientific meetings.

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 or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the field of Biology, Chemistry, Biophysics, or Biochemistry. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience
• Experience working in a wet laboratory setting
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Strong knowledge of membrane protein and membrane biology
• Experience with imaging techniques including confocal microscopy, TIRF imaging, single particle tracking and AFM
• Experience working with purified proteins and buffers
• Experience in preparation of artificial membranes
• Experience with cell culture and maintaining cell lines
• Experience with western blots
• Experience with image analysis software such as Image J and data analysis software like MATLAB, Origin and Igor Pro
• Problem- solving skills and critical thinking
• Collaborative and proactive attitude with excellent verbal and written communication skills

JOB HAZARDS

• 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)

#readytowork