Research Associate I

Job ID: req2820
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 subset of rare and recalcitrant PDX tumor models.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implant biopsied tumor material derived from patients intomice/rats, monitor the mice/rats 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 Study log. The maintenance of proper records is critical as each patient sample will be passaged and expanded multiple times in NSG mice or in rats
• 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 a BS/BA degree from an accredited college or university (according to CHEA). (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to education requirement 2 years of relevant 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 anmal handling experience
• Knowledge ofbasic necropsy techniques
• Experience with IV, IP, PO, SC injections
• Previous experience working under ABSL-2 conditions
  
  

JOB HAZARDS

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 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.

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

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