Research Associate I

Research Associate I

Job ID: req4073
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Applied & Development Research 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 Monitoring Laboratory (AML), located within the Clinical Services Program, is a state-of-the-art clinical research laboratory, which specializes in basic immunology and flow cytometry. The primary mission of the AML is to perform sequential studies of immune function in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease or other emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases associated with immunologic dysfunction.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Processing blood and body fluids from HIV-infected patients
• Documenting results
• Performing basic data analysis
• Performing quality control evaluations
• Monitoring equipment for optimum performance and basic instrument troubleshooting
• Maintaining essential laboratory supplies
• Operation of a BD Facs Lyric flow cytometer and A BD LSR Fortessa flow cytometer
• Staining of whole blood and PBMCs for flow cytometric analysis
• Immunophenotypic analysis of patient blood specimens
• Helping to complete and to maintain CLIA records
• Read and understand SOPs
• Communicate effectively with co-workers and supervisors
• All work will be performed under Biosafety Level-2* conditions. Work may involve standing, walking, rapid mental/muscular coordination, good vision, working alone or closely with others. The use of personal protective equipment and strict adherence to safety protocols will be required.

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 biological, chemical, or physical science with courses in biological science, chemistry, and mathematics 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 two (2) years of progressively responsible experience
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Understand and communicate complex information
• Ability to solve complex problems
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to switch seamlessly daily and on short notice between different areas of the laboratory
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Science program
• Prefer knowledge of flow cytometry but not required
• Prefer hematology experience but not required
• Working knowledge of Windows-based computer operating systems
• Good communication skills
• Ability to function independently and as part of a laboratory team
• Ability to lift 25 lbs and up to 50 lbs occasionally

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES

• Good vision
• Ability to work alone or closely with others as part of a team
• Working knowledge of Windows-based computer operating systems

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 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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