Research Associate I

Company: Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
Location: Frederick
Posted on: December 31, 2019

Job Description:

The Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives. The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community. A major focus of the CRTP is the NCI RAS Initiative with the goal to discover new therapeutic interventions against RAS-driven cancers. In addition, the CRTP hosts the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) which performs and standardizes preclinical efficacy and toxicity testing of nanoparticles intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, and the Antibody Characterization Lab (ACL) which characterizes monoclonal antibodies or other renewable affinity binding reagents for use in cancer related research. CRTP scientists also work collaboratively with intramural NCI investigators to provide research technologies and expertise. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES Extraordinarily rapid advances are ongoing in optical microscopy, fluorescence labeling and computer science for sensing dynamic molecular events inside cells and tissues. To address this unfolding reality, The Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory (OMAL) is composed of a unique combination of experts: cell biologists, material scientists, microscopists and image analysts. These experts sustain cutting edge optical microscopy technologies, which are used in collaboration with the Center for Cancer Research labs at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick (NCI-F), Maryland. This position: Will support and collaborate with scientists at the NCI-F in cancer and HIV biology in the area of multiplex immunofluorescence (MIF) analysis of mouse and human tumor tissues. Technologies include but are not limited to: immunofluorescence labeling, conjugation of antibodies to labels, validation of antibody labeling, live cell culture, advanced fluorescence microscopy, including confocal microscopy and quantitative analysis and interpretation of images. Will provide instruction to NCI-F scientists in the aforementioned technologies through one-on-one hands on training, demonstrations and lectures Will keep abreast of developments in the general area of MIF by reading the literature, meeting with experts in the Washington DC / Baltimore region and attending lectures Will report results and technologies to the scientific community through participation in abstract, poster and manuscript preparation Will support the broader mission of OMAL by assisting users in the operation of optical microscopes and image analysis software Will support the general maintenance of the optical microscopes and the biology laboratory Duties include keeping the lab in compliance with Institutional, State and Federal regulations BASIC QUALIFICATIONS Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in a related field (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency In addition to the education requirements, a minimum of two (2) or more years of research experience in the areas of cell culture and / or animal tissue work, immunofluorescence labeling and fluorescence microscopy Working knowledge of optical microscopes and proficiency in statistical analyses Ability to work independently and as part of a team Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS M.S. in a relevant field (Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics etc.) Histology and cytology techniques (e.g. sectioning, immunohistochemistry, preparing fresh-frozen mouse samples, tumor microarrays) Live animal handling Knowledge of cancer immunology Experience giving poster and oral presentations Molecular biology techniques (e.g. Western blotting, in situ hybridization, PCR, DNA / RNA isolation) JOB HAZARDS This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s) This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations This position is subject to working with or have the potential for exposure to laser emissions, requiring medical clearance Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) | Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) | Drug Free Workplace (DFW)

Keywords: Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick , Research Associate I, Other , Frederick, Maryland