Development Associate II

Job ID: req4435
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer
Facility: Frederick: ATRF
Location: 8560 Progress Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is 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 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

The Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) is recruiting for a Development Associate II. This position reports to the Scientific Manager II (manager) and under the direction and guidance of the manager, the following tasks will be performed:

• Develop, optimize, qualify/validate, and implement new assays with minimal supervision
• Consult with the manager and carry out experimental design and troubleshooting independently
• Prepare manuscripts, reports and scientific presentations
• Ensure laboratory procedures and testing are compliant with internal requirements and quality system, as necessary
• Assist in evaluating, analyzing, compiling data, and present findings at meetings
• Work with automated systems such as robotics, system integration and software
• Responsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining inventory for the studies
• Perform literature searches and reviews that will contribute to the development of new assays
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Work may involve lifting objects not greater than 20 pounds.

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
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of related experience
• Understanding of immunology, immune assays, diagnostics, vaccines and clinical research
• Experience in ELISA, viral neutralization assays and mammalian cell culture
• Experience in development, qualification & validation of immune and molecular biology assays
• Ability to work independently on projects with minimal supervision
• Strong Computer skills and experience with relevant software such as Softmax, Excel, PowerPoint, R Script, Python, etc. and ability to analyze data using statistical tools (e.g. JMP, Prism)
• Scientific competency in a field relevant and related to cancer research
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular biology or related field in GCLP Clinical Immunology Lab or other related areas in Biotech or Pharma Industry setting
• Familiarity with diagnostics and clinical trials
• Understanding of GCLP requirements and other FDA regulatory requirements for immunological testing
• Experience in conducting assay validation, including protocol and report writing
• Experience with LIMS and robotics
• Experience compiling and analyzing large data sets
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Regulatory knowledge pertinent to standards GCLP, CLIA or FDA guidelines for clinical assays
• Experience managing clinical immunological studies and consortia activities.
• Experience working internationally in the areas of assay standardization.
• Team player with outstanding oral/written communication skills and ability to multi-task

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix and team‐oriented environment
• Ability to identify and solve complex problems
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills

JOB HAZARDS

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

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here

63,500.00 – 90,950.00 USD

The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data.

The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions