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R&D Associate, Vaccine Immunology

Employer
Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
Location
Frederick, MD
Start date
Jan 31, 2025
View more categoriesView less categories
Discipline
Science/R&D, Research, Immunology
Required Education
Bachelors Degree
Position Type
Full time
Hotbed
BioCapital

Job Details

R&D Associate, Vaccine Immunology

Job ID: req4104
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research 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 Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate conducts preclinical and clinical research in the areas of vaccines, infections and cancer, with an emphasis on human papillomavirus (HPV) and SARS-CoV-2. We develop standards and assays that we validate and use in clinical studies to advance the understanding of immune responses to infection and vaccines. Our developed assay procedures and standards are available to the scientific community to enable rigorous science and accelerate vaccine development and implementation. Our goal is to translate laboratory findings into public health changes that will contribute to the elimination of cancer.

The mission of the Cancer ImmunoPrevention Lab (CIPL) within the VICD is to serve as a reference and technical support laboratory, developing novel cancer vaccines towards the ultimate goal of clinical evaluation. This process includes synthesis and characterization of mRNA-, peptide-, and VLP-based vaccines, in vitro screening, and in vivo testing in mouse models for both immunogenicity and tumor efficacy. Vaccine T and B cell responses are thoroughly characterized by ELISPOT, flow cytometry, Luminex, epitope-mapping, immunohistochemistry, and single cell sequencing.  Numerous methods for enhancing and optimizing vaccine antigen expression, immune activity, and efficacy are under exploration.

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 public’s interest. 

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

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

  • Perform tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles.
  • Produce RNA constructs through in vitro transcription, then test antigen expression through mass spectrometry and Western blot.
  • Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infection and vaccines.
  • Plan and conduct experiments in mouse vaccine models.
  • Perform immunological assays that include ELISA, ELISPOT, Luminex assays, flow cytometry, cell-based neutralization assays, immunohistochemistry.
  • 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.
  • Perform 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 Bachelor’s degree in immunology, vaccinology, or molecular biology 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 five (5) years of related experience with strong biomedical laboratory experience.
  • Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology.
  • Expertise in tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, Western blot, ELISA, ELISPOT, 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.
  • Experience with managing lab operation, i.e. inventory, equipment.
  • Experience in immune assays (ELISA, ELISPOT, flow cytometry) development and validation.
  • Experience handling large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Expertise in molecular biology techniques including plasmid DNA cloning, RNA synthesis, sequencing, microarray, single cell genomics, RNASeq.
  • Experience using robotics.

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, 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. 

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.

68,600.00 - 117,875.00
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.

#readytowork

Company

A rewarding career with global impact

Whether you’re an expert in your field or just starting out, we have a career opportunity for you. We’re always looking for people to join us in fulfilling the mission of the Frederick National Laboratory: discovery, innovation, and success in the biomedical sciences.

Our team of 2,400+ scientists, technicians, administrators, and support staff work at the forefront of basic, translational, and preclinical science, with a focus on cancer, AIDS, and other infectious diseases.

We collaborate with colleagues across the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and others throughout the National Institutes of Health. We also engage with extramural investigators in academia, government and industry.

Your path to joining our team begins with the desire to work for the only national laboratory dedicated to biomedical research. Our employees share a common desire to help make a difference in cancer research and public health concerns. As you search for a career that fits your education, skills, and abilities, explore the core values that guide us and emphasize work-life balance.

Discover why joining the Frederick National Laboratory team could be the most important career step you take

 

 

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Company info
Website
Phone
301-846-1000
Location
8560 Progress Drive
Frederick
MD
21701
United States

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