Research Associate II

September 14, 2023
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Research Associate II

Job ID: req3684
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 human tumor resections and biopsies directly into mice, monitor the mice 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

• Maintain patient derived xenograft tumors by serial passage through additional rodents to generate adequate tumor material to meet the PDMR demands and to provide tumor bearing animals for various scientific endeavors

• Ability to implant tissue subcutaneously and orthotopically

• Ability to recognize xenograft transplant lymphoproliferative disease (XTLD) - collect necessary samples for diagnostic and characterization studies. Identify acceptable donor material from XTLD mice for transplantation into new cohorts of mice for the development of these human lymphoma models. This includes but is not limited to collection and implantation of spleen fragments or extracted splenocytes, harvesting of bone marrow from femurs and tibias, liver masses where noted, along with any other distant site tumors from successive generations of mice.

• Update the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tracking sheets and log experimental data into Studylog. 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

• Evaluate the health and well-being of experimental mice on a daily basis and secure veterinary help where needed

• Aid in any other routine tasks as needed (tube labeling, sample deliveries/pick-ups, autoclaving instruments, etc.).

• Order mice as needed so ongoing studies are not delayed because of limitations in availability

• Occasional weekend work is required

• 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 with animals

• 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

• Previous animal handling experience

• Knowledge of basic necropsy techniques

• Experience with IV, IP, PO, SC injections

• Previous experience working under BSL-2 and ABSL-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)

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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