Research Associate I - Influenza Immunology (VICD)

Job ID: req4528
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate
Facility: Frederick: ATRF
Location: 8560 Progress Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 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 Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) 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 preclinical and clinical studies. As of recent and part of a large effort, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) and other stakeholders are developing vaccines with durable protection for seasonal influenza virus. VICD is leading the development of immunoassays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against the virus and vaccine.

VICD is recruiting for a Research Associate I to work in a new high impact laboratory that will develop and implement validated immunoassays to be utilized in clinical trial studies, within an internationally recognized research directorate. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working under the Good Clinical Laboratory Practices. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape new scientific directions within a mission-driven environment that integrates new assay development, translational research, and clinical evaluation of new preventive strategies.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

VICD is recruiting for a Research Associate I to perform laboratory activities including sample management, reagent prep, conducting testing and troubleshooting, analyze data, supply ordering and other related activities.

• Responsible for sample management and inventory
• Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infections and vaccines
• Plan experiments and conduct testing of large number of samples from clinical studies
• Independently design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data, and maintain databases
• Responsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment and inventories
• Prepare reports, present data and participate in report and proposal preparation
• Contribute or write SOPs or protocols in Master Control
• Utilize Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for laboratory operation
• Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques
• Other duties as assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) 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 progressively responsible experience
• Knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology
• Demonstrated experience in cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western blot, ELISA, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCR
• Familiar with LIMS and Master Control (or other electronic documentation system)
• Experience in or familiarity with GCLP laboratory
• Demonstrated understanding of Good Documentation Practices in laboratory
• Excellent record keeping and organization skills
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Master’s degree in relevant studies
• Experience in development, validation and implementation of immunological assays including ELISA and antibody-based
• Experience handling large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA
• Experience using robotics and electronic documentation systems and LIMS
• Experience with electronic documentation systems and LIMS

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