Research Associate II

Job ID: req3116
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

• Aid in the daily maintenance, passaging and cryopreservation of the various 2D cultures grown in different medias
  
• Prepare cultures for the various validation assays (flow cytometry, cell sorting, Q RT PCR, soft agar clonal assays, RNA/DNA extraction, the STR identity assay, proliferation assays, etc)
  
• Prepare all required medias, components and reagents used in the culture of patient-derived cell lines
  
• Participate in evaluating the effects of different basement membrane extracts, media additives, and different methodology used to establish and grow difficult 2D cell lines
  
• Extract DNA from 2D and 3D cell lines for use in various PCR assays
  
• Perform the MKPV assay using PCR and gel electrophoresis
  
• Perform proliferation assays on all 2 D cell lines using 2 methods, a DNA dye and a cell imager or manual cell removal and cell counting
  
• Manage the supply inventory so that critical reagents are not missing at any time
  
• Perform an assay to determine if a 2 D cell line will grow as spheroids under serum-free conditions
  
• 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

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
  
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working in a research setting developing patient-derived 2D and 3D organoid cell lines
  
• 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:

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