Research Associate -Flow Cytometry (req1919)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Neutrophil Monitoring Laboratory, Clinical Services Program (Applied/ Developmental Directorate) provides clinical and basic laboratory support to Laboratory of Host Defenses and Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, NIAID.Data generated in the NML is used in the diagnosis and characterization of patients with various immunodeficiencies including chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD), and hyper-immunoglobulinemia syndrome (JOB Syndrome).

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

* Operation and maintenance of Canto II and Lyric flow cytometers in the performance of sophisticated clinical and research studies within a CLIA-certified laboratory
* Isolation of nucleic acids (particularly DNA) from whole blood, saliva, or cells (PMN, DFP-treated PMN, PBMC,B cells, fibroblasts, or buccal swabs), using different methodologies (Oragene and Qiagene)
* ship and track DNA samples to many investigators in support of various protocol studies, including the Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) project and DNA sequencing to identify genetic mutation in carriers and patients with CGD, LAD, and other rare diseases
* maintain a highly organized database to provide pertinent details for tracking of samples and perform checks within procedures to reduce errors
* serve as the primary contact for requests of DNA samples by investigators and take the lead in ensuring completed shipments without error to collaborators within Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. and the NIH, in a timely fashion
* Performance and analysis of complex CLIA-certified functional assays to include: determination of superoxide generation by cytochrome c reduction, Nitroblue tetrazolium histochemical staining, PMN adherence to extracellular matrices, and Flow Cytometric Evaluation of Polymorphonuclear Cells (PMNs) for Hydrogen Peroxide Production
* Performance of various commercially ELISA cytokine kits for the analyses of neutrophil granule proteins and acute phase proteins
* Analyze cytokine production using a multi-array cytokine platform using MESO-Scale or Luminex analyzers
* Negative isolation of monocytes using immunomagnetic bead separation
* Assess the chemotactic responses of neutrophils using Neuroprobe technology
* Analyze and generate easy-to-understand graphs using PRISM software and interpret data
* Perform and analyze extracellular ROS production by ferricytochrome c reduction assay and intracellular ROS production by luminol in the presence or absence of stimulators
* Performance of kinetic elastase assay
* Develop assays, write protocols, record results in a detail laboratory notebook
* Write macros to fix problems in internal homegrown repository entry system and to enhance the system to ensure accuracy by adding multiple checks and flags to identify missing or erroneous data
* Isolation of plasma and leukocyte subpopulations neutrophils from whole blood using different isolation protocols
* Maintenance of B cells and fibroblasts cultures using aseptic technique
* Recording and maintaining reagent logs which describes the preparation and tracking of reagent usage in accordance to CLIA guidelines
* Operation, maintenance, and quality control of biosensitive equipment including automated cell counters, spectrophotometer, and plate readers
* Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous chemical or biological materials or may be located in areas where such materials are used.Requires the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to strict safety protocols

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

* Possession of Bachelor's degree 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
* Dedicated and self-motivating employee capable of working independently with little supervision, continually acquire new skills to enhance processes within a CLIA-certified [Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988] laboratory setting
* Maintain competencies in the performance of highly complex CLIA-certified assays with the NML:quantitative analysis of O2production by reduction of ferricytochrome c, histochemical analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) staining, FACS analysis of H2O2 production by DHR staining, and adherence of neutrophils to plastic coated with extracellular matrix proteins and Western blot analysis
* Knowledge or experience in the isolation of cells from whole blood
* Ability to perform complex assays independently and report results to supervisor or scientist
* Data triage and quality control evaluations
* Maintain essential laboratory supplies and equipment
* Operate and maintain sensitive biomedical equipment
* Keep exact and detailed records of documents laboratory operations and data collection
* Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

* Master's degree
* Ability to communicate effectively
* Attention to detail
* Demonstrated initiative and commitment

JOB HAZARDS

* This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations