Associate Scientist, Technology Development, CGR

Associate Scientist, Technology Development, CGR

Job ID: req3755
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Clinical Research Program
Facility: Rockville: 9615 MedCtrDr
Location: 9615 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 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 Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory (CGR) investigates the contribution of germline and somatic genetic variation to cancer susceptibility and outcomes in support of the NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), the world’s most comprehensive cancer epidemiology research group. 

CGR is located at the NCI-Shady Grove campus in Rockville, MD and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.  We care deeply about discovering the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer, and new approaches to cancer prevention, through our contributions to the molecular, genetic, and epidemiologic research of the 70+ investigators in DCEG. Working in concert with epidemiologists, biostatisticians and basic research scientists in DCEG’s intramural research program, CGR provides the capacity to conduct genome-wide discovery studies and targeted regional approaches to identify the heritable determinants of various forms of cancer. This includes the design and analysis of high throughput studies using various types of “–omics” technologies such as array- and sequence-based genome-wide association studies, studies of tumor characteristics using integrated genomic data analysis, and molecular epidemiologic studies based on novel assays focused on the metabolome and microbiome.

We are seeking a highly motivated, independent scientist to join our Development, Optimization & Implementation team to establish and support new pipelines for extraction and downstream technologies required to support DCEG investigators in areas of human, bacterial, and viral nucleic acid research applications including metagenomics, targeted sequencing applications, and ctDNA and cfRNA sequencing. The successful incumbent will have extensive experience involving analytical characterization of nucleic acids using basic and advanced assays and will have responsibility for performing laboratory-based development and validation of applications across multiple areas of interest.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work in close coordination with other CGR groups and DCEG investigators to develop, optimize and implement new protocols and applications into main CGR laboratories for molecular and digital pathology, sample extraction and characterization, genomics (germline and somatic), and proteomics analyses
• Utilize experience with extraction, isolation and handling of nucleic acids and available literature to design plans for new research approaches desired
• Conducting hands-on laboratory research activities involving assay development for nucleic acid testing
• Maintain thorough electronic documentation records of experimental plans, data, results, and next steps
• Preparation of results in report format and presentation in cross-functional meetings with senior CGR leadership and DCEG investigators
• Author documents supporting applications and convert newly developed protocols and procedures into SOPs
• Support automation method development and testing
• With DCEG and CGR senior staff, contribute to design of experiments for novel research applications within CGR

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
• A minimum of eight (8) years related biomedical experience
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a clearance
• Demonstrated expertise with DNA/RNA extraction, RNA handling, nucleic acid quantitation and quality analysis and basic molecular biology techniques
• Proven experience of method qualification/development or validation for testing of DNA and RNA
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced development environment with GLPs and safe handling of biological material
• Strong technical and analytical skills for method/assay development and troubleshooting are required
• Excellent time and project management skills, with ability to work on several projects simultaneously
• Attention to detail and ability to independently identify critical variables
• Outstanding communication skills (verbal and written)
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to mentor and train junior staff
• Working knowledge of Windows-based computer operating systems and Microsoft office suite
• Ability to work in a fast-paced setting and effectively collaborate in a highly dynamic, cross-functional environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Substantial experience with a wide range of specimens and analytes used in genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
• Expertise with a wide range of nucleic acid extraction methodologies used in both home-brew and commercially manufactured products.
• Substantial experience with advanced molecular biology techniques (including qPCR, primer design, and NGS library preparation). Experience with complex sequencing applications and assessment of pre-analytical variables.
• Experience using high-throughput laboratory equipment, such as automated liquid handlers is considered a strong plus including method development.
• Familiarity with eLN and/or LIMS systems
• Bioinformatics and statistics skills, including experience with Python or R
• Experience with reagent/buffer formulation, assay development, microbiology testing and/or HPV typing

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.
•  This position may require continuous or intermittent exposure to and exertion in environmental conditions such as working outdoors, temperature extremes, humidity extremes. etc. as part of the job.

Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard 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 employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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