Research Associate II

Job ID: req3084
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

• Receive incoming patient tumor material and determine which portions should be placed into in vitro culture and which should be transferred to the animal facility for in vivo implantation
• Establish 2D cultures from patient samples and from tumors isolated from mice implanted with human tumors
• Aid in the daily maintenance, passaging and cryopreservation of the various 2D & 3D organoid cultures grown in different medias
• Preparation of large batches of cells (25-150 flask harvests) for implantation into mice for drug studies or for large batch cryopreservation including cells grown on a variety of supports and media\
• Prepare all required medias, components and reagents used in the culture of 2D and 3D organoid cultures
• Manage the supply inventory so that critical reagents are not missing at any time
• Experience in developing human lymphoma cell lines using cells obtained from patient material or from mice harboring human B-cell lymphomas secondary to EBV-transformation of human B cells
• Understand the differences between adherent and suspension cells and maximize successful development of human primary cultures by recognition of the growth characteristics of the particular cancer being cultured
• Maintain precise documentation of each 2D/3D cell line in Excel spreadsheets -critical as each patient derived cell mixture/clone/line will be passaged and expanded multiple times with the intent of delivering carefully documented samples to researchers worldwide
• Perform DNA extraction, analyze purity and perform qPCR to quantitate mouse contamination of human PDX tumors
• Aid in other routine tasks as needed such as cell photography, PowerPoint presentations, tube/plate labeling, cell deliveries/pick-ups etc
• Experience working with patient and patient-derived samples under strict BSL2 safety conditions
• Tasks are performed independently and initially will involve training and supervision
  
  
  BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.
• Two-five years of experience working in a research setting developing patient-derived 2D and 3D organoid cell lines
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• 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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of sterile eukaryotic tissue culture techniques
• Knowledge of organoid cell culture
• Previous experience working under BSL-2 conditions

JOB HAZARDS OR REQUIREMENTS
Enroll in OSHA BBP. Must be medically cleared to receive any necessary immunizations per protocol requirements.

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

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