Research Associate I, Lab Animal

Job ID: req2930
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. The Center for Advanced Preclinical Research (CAPR) within LASP develops preclinical model systems for evaluation of cancer therapeutics and biomarker discovery, to facilitate the translation of research findings to the clinic. Mouse models for cancer are developed or retooled for application to studies assessing small molecule drugs, immunotherapy, and other novel treatments.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performing colony management of rodent colonies and conducting of complex experimental procedures in conventional facilities
• 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, chemical carcinogens and biological hazards
• Perform injections via various routes
• Monitoring phenotypes and treatment responses
• Collecting blood and tissues
• Tumor measuring
• Coordinating shipment of live animals and specimens
• Superb technical proficiency, judgment and organizational skills are required to effectively manage a significant and complex workload
• Assignments are performed independently with little direct supervision and following all applicable regulations, policies, procedures and standards governing animal welfare
• Work involves the use of potentially hazardous material or may be located in areas where such materials are used
• Work may require the use of personal protective equipment and requires adherence to strict safety protocols
• Schedule may include weekend and holiday hours
  

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 in a field related to the biomedical or veterinary sciences 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 the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience
• Understanding of Mendelian genetics
• Experience in rodent breeding colony management and associated procedures
• 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 wear lift and carry up to 50 lbs and wear personal protective equipment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Basic skills or ability to quickly learn to perform injections via various routes, tissue harvesting and blood collection
• Excellent observation and organization skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Computer/data entry skills
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• AALAS certification

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 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

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

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