Research Associate Supervisor

Job ID: req4607
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate
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) has a primary mission to provide scientific leadership and laboratory infrastructure to study immune responses to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and other cancer preventive strategies in the context of preclinical and clinical studies. As of recent and part of a large effort, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) and other stakeholders are developing vaccines with durable protection for seasonal influenza virus. VICD is leading the development of immunoassays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against the virus and vaccine.

VICD is recruiting for a Research Associate Supervisor to work in a fast-paced, high impact laboratory within an internationally recognized research directorate. The aim of this project is to generate standardized sets of reagents, develop assays for assessment of antibody responses to HPV and conduct high throughput immunogenicity testing of vaccines in the context of clinical trials, under the Good Clinical Laboratory Practices. This position is primarily in the laboratory conducting testing and onsite activities.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

We are seeking an individual with a strong background in molecular biology and immunology to work at the HPV Serology Laboratory to lead projects in the area of vaccine immunogenicity. The aim of this project is to generate standardized sets of reagents, develop assays for assessment of antibody responses to HPV and conduct high throughput immunogenicity testing of vaccines in the context of clinical trials. This position is not eligible for telework.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform tissue culture and immunological/virological techniques, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles
• Oversee serology projects from conception to execution
• Responsible for sample management
• Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infection and vaccines
• Plan experiments and lead testing of large number of samples from clinical studies
• Design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data, maintain databases
• Responsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment and inventories
• Prepare reports, present data and participate in report and proposal preparation
• Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques
• May supervise lab personnel

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 four (4) years of progressively responsible experience, including one (1) year of experience in a leadership/manager capacity
• Detailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology
• Experience in cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, including aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western-blot, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCR
• Demonstrates current knowledge of emerging relevant scientific literature and immune profiling technologies
• Ability to ensure assay rigor, reproducibility, and compliance with GCLP/GLP standards where applicable
• Flexibility to adopt new emerging techniques and technologies and to troubleshoot effectively
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects effectively and meet timelines successfully
• Experience with managing and analyzing large data sets and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data
• Excellent record keeping and organizational skills
• Exceptional critical thinking and commitment to scientific rigor and reproducibility
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and oral)
• Familiar with LIMS and Master Control (or other electronic documentation systems)
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Possession of Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, particularly in Immunology and Virology
• Experience managing staff and lab operations
• Experience in immune assay (ELISA, multiplex assays) development and validation under GCLP or GLP environment
• Experience handling large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA
• Experience using robotics with ability to troubleshoot
• Experience with electronic documentation systems and LIMS

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or has the 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.

77,600.00 – 110,959.00 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