Associate Scientist, Technology Development, CGR

Associate Scientist, Technology Development, CGR

If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below.

Job ID : req3755

Employee Type : exempt full-time

Division : Clinical Research Program

Facility : Rockville : 9615 MedCtrDr

Location : 9615 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 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 urgent problems in biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory (CGR) investigates the contribution of genetic variation to cancer susceptibility and outcomes in support of the NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG).

CGR is located at the NCI-Shady Grove campus in Rockville, MD. We care deeply about discovering the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer and new approaches to cancer prevention.

We are seeking a highly motivated, independent scientist to join our Development, Optimization & Implementation team to establish and support new pipelines for extraction and downstream technologies required to support DCEG investigators in areas of nucleic acid research applications including metagenomics and targeted sequencing applications.

KEY ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work in close coordination with other CGR groups and DCEG investigators to develop, optimize and implement new protocols and applications for molecular and digital pathology, sample extraction, and characterization.
• Utilize experience with nucleic acids to design plans for new research approaches.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory research activities involving assay development for nucleic acid testing.
• Maintain thorough electronic documentation records of experimental plans, data, results, and next steps.
• Prepare results in report format and present in cross-functional meetings.
• Author documents supporting applications and convert newly developed protocols into SOPs.
• Support automation method development and testing.
• Contribute to design of experiments for novel research applications.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below :

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of eight (8) years related biomedical experience.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a clearance.
• Demonstrated expertise with DNA / RNA extraction and basic molecular biology techniques.
• Proven experience of method qualification / development for testing of DNA and RNA.
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced development environment with GLPs.
• Strong technical and analytical skills for method / assay development.
• Excellent time and project management skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to independently identify critical variables.
• Outstanding communication skills (verbal and written).
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to mentor junior staff.
• Working knowledge of Windows-based operating systems and Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced setting and effectively collaborate in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration :

• Substantial experience with a wide range of specimens and analytes used in genomics and proteomics.
• Expertise with nucleic acid extraction methodologies.
• Experience with advanced molecular biology techniques (including qPCR and NGS library preparation).
• Experience using high-throughput laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with eLN and / or LIMS systems.
• Bioinformatics and statistics skills, including experience with Python or R.
• Experience with reagent formulation, assay development, and microbiology testing.

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.
• This position may require exposure to environmental conditions such as temperature extremes.

Commitment to Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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