Research Associate II (NGS/ CLIA Lab) - Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

                                                                                                                       Research Associate II (NGS/ CLIA Lab)
Job ID: req4118
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Clinical Research Program
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally FundedResearch and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National CancerInstitute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.  The labaddresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedicalsciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinicaltrials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response toemerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity andVersatility; it's the FNL way.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Molecular Characterization Laboratory (MoCha) is part of Leidos Biomedical Research’s Clinical Research Directorate (CRD) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. The MoCha Laboratory is responsible for providing high-level research in support of the NCI-Cancer Diagnostics Program (CDP) within the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD). MoCha is charged with the development and application of genomic assays for use in medical research and diagnostics for DCTD-sponsored national extramural clinical trials.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Comfortably performs routine cell isolation nucleic acid extraction from blood and bone marrow patient samples in a CLIA environment
• Performs genomics research and/or assay development in collaboration with others for projects
• Makes detailed observations, analyzes data and interprets results
• Investigates, creates and develops new methods and technologies for project advancement
• Maintains high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature
• May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals
• May be responsible for identifying patentable inventions
• May act as principal investigator in conducting own experiments
• Exercises independent judgment in developing and/or modifying methods and techniques for solving scientific problems
• Performs molecular assays by adherence to SOPs
• Develops new assays and applies the methods/assays utilizing sound scientific judgement
• Writes SOPs and performs formal reporting of research data, including presentations and/or scientific publications
• Maintains knowledge of the most recent literature and scientific presentations relevant to projects
• Maintains essential laboratory supplies and monitors equipment for optimum performance
• May be willing to assume supervisory roles as needed

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 five (5) years of experience with next generation sequencing library creation and sequencing and/or molecular biology techniques
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Experience in cell isolation and nucleic acid extraction protocols
• Experience in NGS genomic profiling assays
• Experience in genomic assay development and workflow automation
• Familiarity with clinical oncology studies and other protocol-driven clinical research
• Experience working in clinical laboratory testing

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES

• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access)
• Strong technical skills in molecular biological and genomic assays
• Ability to independently evaluate the suitability and quality control of research or production assays or tests, develop and follow SOPs, and analyze and report data
• Ability to track information in a large cohort of samples and monitor progress of multiple projects
• Adequate computer skills to document, organize, and present experimental data
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Preference will be given to candidates willing to work flexible weekday and weekend hours on rare occasions when required

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations

Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment withoutregard 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 employmentqualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

74,800.00 - 128,625.00

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.

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