Research Associate II - VICD

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) and other stakeholders to develop assays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against this new virus. To address gaps and unmet needs in serology assay development and standardization and to gain a solid fundamental knowledge of the immune response to underlying mechanisms of protection against infection, leveraging the vast expertise and excellence in HPV serology at the FNL. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES We are seeking an individual with a strong background in molecular biology and immunology to develop and implement validated immunoassays to be utilized in clinical trial studies. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in cell culture, flowcytometry, neutralization assay, ELISA, PCR, working under Good Clinical Laboratory Practices, with understand of immunology. This position is not eligible for telework and is a 100% onsite position. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Perform tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance. Develop and qualify/validate T cell assays by multi-color flowcytometry. Perform serology projects from conception to execution. Responsible for sample management and inventory using laboratory information management systems. Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses. Perform immunoassays and testing of samples from clinical studies. 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. SOP development or review and modify SOPs in Master Control and perform validations on processes as required. Perform laboratory processes in LIMS. Maintain equipment, supply inventory, assist in routine laboratory operation matters. Independently troubleshoot assays, processes, laboratory matters and bring to manager’s attention. Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques 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 a 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 progressively responsible experience in a related biomedical laboratory. 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, Luminex assays, flow cytometry, virus neutralization assays and PCR. Experience in performing T cell functional analyses, using multi-color flowcytometry and other technologies, including panel design, acquisition, and high-dimensional analyses. Excellent record keeping and organization skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral), with proficiency in Word, Excel, PPT. Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: Master's or Ph.D. in immunology, vaccinology, virology or molecular biology. Experience managing lab operations. Experience in immune assay (ELISA, multiplex assays) development and validation under GCLP or GLP environment. Experience handling large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA. Experience with robotics and automated systems. Experience with electronic documentation systems and LIMS. JOB HAZARDS This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.