Research Associate

Job ID: req4653 Employee Type: exempt full-time Division: AIDS & Cancer Virus Program Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA The Frederick National Laboratory is 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 several 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 Core Groups (Cores) that provide critical and often unique technical support capabilities to ACVP laboratories and other laboratories within the NCI, NIH, and to extramural investigators. Key Roles/Responsibilities ACVP is looking for a Research Associate I to join the dynamic and collaborative group under the leadership of Dr. Denise Whitby in the Viral Oncology Section (VOS) within the AIDS and Cancer Virus Program. Our laboratory has unique expertise in conducting international molecular and immunologic/epidemiologic studies of infection with Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and other oncogenic viruses, along with basic studies of KSHV biology and laboratory testing, including CLIA certified testing, in support of clinical research on KSHV. Receive, accession, label, process, aliquot, store, retrieve, and ship human biospecimens while maintaining accurate specimen identity and traceability. Process whole blood for separation of plasma, PBMCs, as well as oral fluid, effusions, CSF, tissues, and other OPIM. Perform established molecular, (quantitative real time PCR) and if needed serologic, and cell based laboratory procedures according to approved SOPs and if applicable, regulatory requirements. Maintain complete, accurate, and contemporaneous laboratory records, including specimen logs, assay worksheets, instrument records, reagent records, and electronic databases. Perform routine quality-control activities and document assay performance, control results, deviations, corrective actions, and other required quality records. Identify specimen, assay, equipment, or documentation issues and promptly communicate concerns to supervisory or senior laboratory staff. Perform minimal routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, including function checks, N2 replenishment, thawing, temperature monitoring, and documentation of said maintenance activities. Monitor reagent and supply inventories, track expiration dates and lot numbers, and assist with ordering and restocking. Support cell culture activities, including maintenance of cell lines and preparation of cells for laboratory assays. Enter, review, and organize laboratory data using FMPro databases, and Microsoft Office applications. Coordinate work across multiple concurrent studies and prioritize time-sensitive specimen processing and testing activities. Participate in laboratory training, competency assessment, proficiency testing, audits, and continuous quality-improvement activities. Perform other related laboratory and administrative duties as assigned, working collaboratively with other VOS staff and external investigators to support study goals, and the laboratory’s broader research mission. Basic Qualifications Possession of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in Biology, Virology, Immunology, related discipline, or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of laboratory experience. High organization skills are critical. VOS deals with numerous studies at once and specimens come from different institutions. Strong attention to detail and ability to meet time-sensitive testing and specimen-processing requirements. Multitasking, teamwork and flexibility (including eagerness to be cross trained) are important. Since VOS is a small group with a large portfolio (the most productive in the field of KSHV research worldwide) members of VOS will always help each other to succeed in our mission collaborating with investigators around the world. Ability to work independently after training, following laboratory SOPs, quality-management procedures,; seeking guidance when results or conditions fall outside acceptable limits. Experience with cell culture and with processing biospecimens including whole blood (PBMC separation), plasma, other OPIM, oral fluids and tissues. Experience with nucleic acid extraction. Experience maintaining complete, accurate, and contemporaneous laboratory records, including specimen receipt, processing, testing, result documentation, and chain of custody. Ability to prepare reagents, controls, and specimens accurately and consistently. Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration checks, monitoring, reagent inventory, and lot tracking. Ability to perform routine quality-control activities, recognize assay or specimen problems, document deviations, and promptly elevate issues. Ability to follow universal precautions, bloodborne-pathogen practices, proper handling. of potentially infectious human specimens. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Basic skills/knowledges in Microsoft software. Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Preferred Qualifications Experience in a CLIA-regulated, or comparable quality-controlled laboratory is highly desired. This may include: Experience with quality-control documentation, assay deviations, equipment maintenance, calibration, reagent lot tracking. Familiarity with clinical laboratory quality-management systems. Experience with database management, LIMS or. specimen-tracking databases, or equivalent electronic record systems. Experience with molecular or serologic assays such qPCR, ELISA, or bead-based assays, ELISpot. JOB HAZARDS This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, 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. Pay And Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here 58,200.00 - 83,353.00 USD The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data. The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions #J-18808-Ljbffr