Lead, Research Associate

Lead, Research Associate

Job ID: req4314
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 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 investigates immune responses to vaccines in preclinical and clinical studies. The Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) and other stakeholders to develop assays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against this new virus. To address gaps and unmet needs in serology assay development and standardization and to gain a solid fundamental knowledge of the immune response to underlying mechanisms of protection against infection, leveraging the vast expertise and excellence in HPV serology at the FNL.

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 publics interest.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
We are seeking an individual with a strong background in molecular biology and immunology to lead projects in the area of assay development and conduct immunogenicity studies. The aim of this project is to generate standardized sets of reagents, develop assays for assessment of antibody responses and conduct high throughput immunogenicity testing of vaccines, and manage biospecimens, in the context of clinical trials. This position is not eligible for telework.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee serology projects from conception to execution.
• Responsible for sample management.
• Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infection and vaccines.
• Plan experiments and lead testing of large number of samples from clinical studies.
• Design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently.
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data, 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.
• Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques.
• May supervise lab personnel.

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 in immunology, vaccinology, or molecular biology from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of 8 years of related biomedical laboratory experience.
• Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology.
• Expertise in new assay development and validation, tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, T cell assay, 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 or Ph.D. in immunology, vaccinology, virology or molecular biology.
• 8-10 years' experience with supervisory experience or more than 12 years of related biomedical laboratory experience
• Supervisory skills.
• Experience in immune assay (ELISA, multiplex assays) development and validation under GCLP or GLP environment.
• Experience handling large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA.
• Experience using robotics.
• Experience with electronic documentation systems and LIMS.

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have 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

75,500.00 - 129,625.00

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.

The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions