Research Associate I

Job ID: req3663
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: AIDS & Cancer Virus 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 AIDS and Cancer Virus Program (ACVP) is an integrated, multidisciplinary program that pursues basic and applied studies aimed at improving our understanding of AIDS-associated viruses, including studies intended to facilitate the improved diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HIV infection and AIDS, and AIDS related tumors, particularly those associated with other viruses such as KSHV. The Program consists of independent but highly interactive research Sections headed by Principal Investigators, whose work spans from fundamental molecular virology through in vitro studies, to in vivo studies in non-human primate (NHP) models, to international viral epidemiology. The ACVP also has Research Support Cores that provide critical and often unique technical support capabilities to ACVP laboratories and other laboratories within the NCI and NIH, and to extramural investigators.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The position will support ACVP's Research Support Cores, and we're looking for a Research Associate I to join our dynamic, interactive, multidisciplinary research team working on AIDS pathogenesis and development of treatments for prevention of HIV infection and AIDS through the use of nonhuman primate models. The successful candidate will be able to work in a team-oriented environment, consistently follow detailed protocols and instructions, and keep careful records. The successful candidate will utilize standard molecular biology techniques including, but not limited to, centrifugal virus isolation, nucleic acid extraction, purification and quantification, PCR, reverse transcription, quantitative PCR, digital PCR, Sanger sequencing, and Next Generation sequencing for the sequencing of individual viral templates or deep sequencing of specific viral regions. Additionally, the successful candidate will be able to work, simultaneously, on several sample sets, adjusting to changing priorities as needed.

Specific duties will include:

• Receiving and proper storage of samples from internal and external sources
• Safe handling of pathogenic viruses including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)
• Isolation of viruses from plasma or cell culture supernatants by centrifugal methods
• Proper sterile and molecular biology techniques for phase separation extraction of nucleic acids with precision, following a well-established, detailed protocol
• Use of established protocols to quantify HIV-1 or SIV viral loads by real-time quantitative PCR or digital PCR methods
• Use of established protocols to generate PCR products from single genome templates and perform Sanger sequencing on resultant amplicons
• Use of established protocols to perform Next Generation sequencing on Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq instruments
• Troubleshooting errors and/or difficult samples
• Detailed written and/or verbal communication with supervisor regarding progress, data, technical issues, and data analysis
• Maintenance of an organized, contamination free work environment

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 biology, chemistry, or a related field from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (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 requirements, a minimum of two (2) years of relevant laboratory research experience, post completion of the BS degree is required
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR/qPCR/gel electrophoresis

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with centrifugal virus isolation, nucleic acid isolation, PCR amplification, real-time PCR instruments, Next Generation sequencing, and Sanger sequencing
• Experience with extracting DNA/RNA from blood/plasma/tissues using trizol reagents or commercial kits
• Experience handling and organizing large sample sets

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 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

Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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