Research Associate II - ACVP

Research Associate II - ACVP

Job ID: req4377
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 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 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 multiple Research Support Core Groups (Cores) that provide critical and often unique technical support capabilities to ACVP laboratories and other laboratories within the NCI and NIH, and to extramural investigators.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

We are seeking a Research Associate II to join our dynamic, interactive, multidisciplinary research team studying the establishment, maintenance, and consequences of persistent HIV-1 infection and evaluating novel HIV-1 treatment and prevention approaches. The successful candidate will be able to work well in a small team environment, consistently follow detailed protocols and instructions, and keep careful records. Specific duties will include:

• After an initial training period, work independently in a laboratory setting.
• Mammalian cell culture, including culturing cells producing or infected with replication-competent SIV, HIV, or related viruses.
• Handling blood- and tissue-derived nonhuman primate specimens from animals infected with SIV, SHIV, or stHIV.
• Nucleic acid extractions and quantitative PCR-based analyses on nonhuman primate blood- and tissue-specimens.
• Molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and other molecular biology techniques.
• Flow cytometry assay specimen preparation and data acquisition.
• Support detailed data analysis.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and order as needed.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notes and sample inventories.
• 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 a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education); Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the educational requirements, a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience performing mammalian cell culture.
• Prior experience performing nucleic acid extractions, PCR-based techniques, and/or other molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to independently carry out experimental procedures and perform troubleshooting to ensure the timely completion of overall project goals.
• Competent with computer operations including Microsoft Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Prior experience staining samples and/or acquiring flow cytometry data.
• Prior experience working with specimens containing infectious HIV/SIV or other infectious agents that are handled under Biosafety Level 2 biocontainment.
• Prior experience working with specimens derived from nonhuman primates and/or humans.

Job Hazards

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to
  animal(s) and/or animal material(s).
• 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 without regard to sex, race, color, 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.

Compensation Range: 68,600.00 - 117,875.00

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