Associate Scientist I

Associate Scientist I

Job ID: req3388
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Applied & Development Research Program
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 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 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 In Vivo Evaluation Group, BTB, DTP is establishing both in vitro and in vivo tumor lines from patient biopsies from DCTD sponsored clinical trials with the goal of developing models for NCI's Patient Derived Models Repository (PDMR). The PDMR is a repository of patient-derived models that include in vivo tumor fragments, in vitro tumor lines (2D and 3D), cancer associated fibroblasts, and DNA/RNA isolates. The goal of the PDMR is to distribute well validated and highly characterized material to researchers worldwide. A secondary mission is to evaluate the efficacy of approved oncology drugs in combination or as single agents in a subset of rare and recalcitrant PDX tumor models.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Ability to examine incoming patient tumor material to determine which portion will be used for the establishment of in vitro 2D/3D cultures and which portion will be for in vivo implantation

Establish 2D cultures from patient samples and from tumors isolated from mice implanted with human tumors

Aid in the daily maintenance, passaging and cryopreservation of the various 2D & 3D organoid cultures grown in different medias

Preparation of large batches of cells (25-150 T175 flasks) for implantation into mice for drug studies or large batch cryopreservation to include cells grown on a variety of supports and medias for the repository

Prepare all required medias, components and reagents used in the culture of 2D cell lines and 3D organoid cultures

Manage the supply inventory so that critical reagents are not missing at any time

Experience in developing human lymphoma cell lines using cells obtained from patient material or from mice harboring human B-cell lymphomas secondary to EBV-transformation of human B cells

Understand the differences between adherent and suspension cells and maximize successful development of human primary cultures by recognition of the growth characteristics of the particular cancer being cultured

Maintain precise documentation of each 2D/3D cell line in Excel spreadsheets -critical as each patient derived cell mixture/clone/line will be passaged and expanded multiple times with the intent of delivering carefully documented samples to researchers worldwide

Experience in training newly hired staff to perform all in vitro work and advising lower-level staff in their daily tasks

Aid in other routine tasks as needed such as cell photography, PowerPoint presentations, tube/plate labeling, cell deliveries/pick-ups etc

Experience working with patient and patient-derived samples under strict BSL2 safety conditions

Tasks are performed independently

**THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING APPROVAL**

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:
Possession of a BS/BA degree from an accredited college or university (according to CHEA). (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency

Eight (8) years of experience working in a research setting

Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office

Demonstrated organizational skills and database management skills

Ability to maintain precise records

Ability to be flexible to meet changing needs

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Ability to work alone as well as part of a team

Good written and verbal communication skills
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:
Knowledge of sterile eukaryotic tissue culture techniques

Knowledge of organoid cell culture

Knowledge in establishing in vitro cell lines from patient-derived material or PDX tumors

JOB HAZARDS
Enroll in OSHA BBP. Must be medically cleared to receive any necessary immunizations per protocol requirements
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

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) | Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) | Drug Free Workplace (DFW)

#readytowork