Research Associate I/II, Virology/Immunology

Research Associate I/II, Virology/Immunology

Job ID: req3859
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer
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 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.

The Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate (VICD) at the Frederick National Laboratory has a primary mission to provide scientific leadership and laboratory infrastructure to study immune responses to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and other cancer preventive strategies in the context of clinical and pre-clinical studies. More recently, VICD is also leading initiatives on SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines.

Our core values of accountability, compassion, collaboration, dedication, integrity, and versatility serve as a guidepost for how we do our work every day in serving the public’s interest.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

We are seeking an individual with a strong background in molecular biology and immunology to work at the HPV Serology Laboratory to lead projects in the area of vaccine immunogenicity. The aim of this project is to generate standardized sets of reagents, develop assays for assessment of antibody responses to HPV and conduct high throughput immunogenicity testing of vaccines in the context of clinical trials. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for sample management
• Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infection and vaccines
• Production of HPV Virus-like particles and assay standards
• Plan experiments and lead testing of large number of samples from clinical studies
• With limited supervision, design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data, maintain databases
• Responsible for documenting assay procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment and inventories.
• Prepare reports, present data and participate in report and proposal preparation
• Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques

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 from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in a field related to biomedical research or four (4) years equivalent experience in the appropriate field in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement:
  • Research Associate I: A minimum of two (2) years of related experience
  • Research Associate II: A minimum of five (5) years of related biomedical experience
• Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology
• Expertise in tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western-blot, ELISA, Luminex assays, flow cytometry, virus neutralization assays and PCR
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• MS in immunology, vaccinology, virology or molecular biology
• Experience in HPV research
• Experience in serology assay development and validation under GCLP or GLP environment
• Experience with large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with robotics
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements in vaccine development

JOB HAZARDS

• 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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