Development Associate II - VICD

Job ID: req4682Employee Type: exempt full-timeDivision: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer DirectorateFacility: Frederick: ATRFLocation: 8560 Progress Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory 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 (VICD) at the Frederick National Laboratory investigates immune responses to vaccines in preclinical and clinical studies. The Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) in collaboration with other stakeholders develop assays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against viruses and vaccines in clinical trials.  KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) is recruiting for a highly motivated and innovative Development Associate II, to join a multidisciplinary team advancing cutting-edge immune monitoring, biomarker, vaccine, and cancer research. The successful candidate will work in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment equipped with advanced technologies for immune, cell-based, and molecular assay development and testing. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to the development, optimization, qualification, validation, and implementation of novel assays and emerging technologies supporting translational research, clinical studies, vaccines, immunotherapies, and cancer research. This position reports to the Scientific Manager and under the direction and guidance of the manager, the following tasks will be performed:Develop, optimize, qualify/validate, and implement novel immune, cell-based, and molecular assays with minimal supervisionDesign and execute experiments supporting innovative assay platforms, including technologies such as:ELISA and multiplex immunoassaysViral neutralization and functional antibody assaysCell-based functional and reporter assaysMammalian cell cultureFlow cytometry and immune-cell phenotypingCytokine and immune-response assaysPCR/qPCR and other nucleic-acid-based assaysMolecular and biomarker assaysTranscriptomics and sequencingEmerging high-throughput and multiplex technologiesCarry out experimental design and troubleshooting independently, in consultation with managerEvaluate and integrate novel assay technologies, advanced instrumentation, automation, robotics, and laboratory software to improve assay performance, throughput, reproducibility, and data qualityPrepare manuscripts, reports and scientific presentationsEnsure laboratory procedures and testing are compliant with internal requirements, such as GCLP and quality system, as necessaryAssist in evaluating, analyzing, compiling data, and present findings at meetingsResponsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining inventory for the studiesPerform literatures searches and reviews that will contribute to the development of new assaysWrite SOPs, protocols, manuscripts for publications Perform other duties as assigned  BASIC QUALIFICATIONS To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:Master's degree in Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular biology or related field from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or six (6) years relevant experience in lieu of degree.In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a GCLP Clinical Immunology Lab or other related areas in a Biotech or Pharma Industry setting Experience in ELISA, viral neutralization assays and mammalian cell culture Experience in development, qualification & validation of immune and molecular biology assaysExperience working in GCLP/GxP laboratory environment, familiar with LIMS, good documentation practices, SOP writingTeam player with outstanding oral/written communication skills and ability to multi-taskAbility to work independently on projects with minimal supervisionStrong Computer skills and experience with relevant software such as Softmax, Excel, PowerPoint, R Script, Python, etc. and ability to analyze data using statistical toolsScientific competency in a field relevant and related to cancer researchMust be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: Ph.D. in Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular biology or related field in GCLP Clinical Immunology Lab or other related areas in Biotech or Pharma Industry setting A minimum of five years of related experienceFamiliarity with diagnostics and clinical trialsUnderstanding of GCLP requirements and other FDA regulatory requirements for immunological testingExperience in conducting assay validation, including protocol and report writingExperience with LIMS and roboticsExperience compiling and analyzing large data setsProject Management Professional (PMP) certificationRegulatory knowledge pertinent to standards GCLP, CLIA or FDA guidelines for clinical assaysExperience managing clinical immunological studies and consortia activitiesExperience working internationally in the areas of assay standardization EXPECTED COMPETENCIES Understanding of immunology, immune assays, diagnostics, vaccines and clinical researchExcellent communication skills (written and oral)Ability to work effectively in a matrix and team‐oriented environmentAbility to identify and solve complex problemsStrong organizational and multitasking skillsStrong Computer skills and experience with relevant software such as Softmax, Excel, PowerPoint, ability to analyze data using statistical tools (e.g. JMP, Prism)JOB HAZARDS This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations

Commitment to Non-DiscriminationAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, 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.

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. More details are available here

63,500.00 - 90,950.00 USD

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.

The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions