Research Associate III - Virology

Research Associate III - Virology

Job ID: req4067
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Clinical Research Program
Facility: Generic Location
Location: 9800 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

Within Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., the Clinical Research Directorate (CRD) provides project and operational management of initiatives in support of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). NCATS supported efforts include management of the Therapeutics Development Branch (TDB) drug development programs such as gene therapies and antiviral therapeutic candidates. NCATS stimulates drug discovery and development collaboration between NIH, Leidos, academic scientists, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. 

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Contributes to the Antiviral Program for Pandemics (APP) initiative by providing biology technical support
• Works according to established research and development practices, including contributing to project plans and meeting expectations for operational performance
• Supports the design, optimization, establishment, and usage of viral infection assays, including 2D HTS and 3D tissue models.
• Provides technical expertise in the implementation and execution of antiviral assays.
• Summarizes data and prepares reports for individual or sets of compounds, assays, experimental outcomes.
• Executes assigned projects with minimal supervision
• Prepares documentation associated with project/objectives including technical reports, SOPs, project specific protocols and reports
• Contributes to manuscripts and scientific presentations
• Complies with internal requirements and quality system
• Works with automated systems, such as robotics, liquid handlers, and automated microscopes.
• Analyzes data and presents findings at meetings
• Anticipates technical obstacles and contributes to trouble-shooting
• Performs review of project-specific documents
• Supports development of appropriate communication strategies and plans to facilitate and maintain communication among scientific, regulatory, safety, monitoring, laboratory, and project team members

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of Bachelor’s degree in a field related to biomedical research/clinical trials/health 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 eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience
• Experience, expertise, and training relevant to conduct antiviral assay design, antiviral compound discovery and antiviral validation, including virological assay design and development which may include biochemical, nucleic acid, and cell-based experiments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including strong report writing and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Experience in analysis, planning, and problem solving
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as a team member, with consistent ability to take initiative and make an active contribution to the team's performance
• Demonstrated proficiency in Windows® and Microsoft® Office Suite including Word®, Excel®, and Outlook®
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Familiarity with assay development and biosafety level II practices.
• Experience with cell-culture, immunofluorescence assays, nucleic acid purification, pcr, BSL-2 pathogens, virology assays.

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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