Preclinical Research Associate I or II, Development and Optimization Job ID: req1456 Employee Type: exempt full-time 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 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. Our core values of accountability, compassion, collaboration, dedication, integrity, and versatility serve as a guidepost for how we do our work every day in serving the public's interest. Position Overview: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory (CGR) investigates the contribution of germline and somatic genetic variation to cancer susceptibility and outcomes in support of the NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), the world's most comprehensive cancer epidemiology research group. CGR is located at the NCI-Shady Grove campus in Gaithersburg, MD and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. We care deeply about discovering the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer, and new approaches to cancer prevention, through our contributions to the molecular, genetic, and epidemiologic research of the 70+ investigators in DCEG. Working in concert with epidemiologists, biostatisticians and basic research scientists in DCEG's intramural research program, CGR provides the capacity to conduct genome-wide discovery studies and targeted regional approaches to identify the heritable determinants of various forms of cancer. This includes the design and analysis of high throughput studies using various types of "-omics" technologies such as array- and sequence-based genome-wide association studies, studies of tumor characteristics using integrated genomic data analysis, and molecular epidemiologic studies based on novel assays focused on the metabolome and microbiome. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Research Associate will support Development, Optimization and Implementation (DOI) activities within the overall CGR laboratory. * Perform research and development under the review of a scientist serving the technology development and implementation function within the CGR operations group. New assignments, program goals and objectives are reviewed with the supervisor and are carried out with little direct supervision * Coordinate with numerous technical and administrative resources for the development and optimization of a controlled production pipeline * Implement new pipelines including documentation of standardized processes, design, development and testing of LIMS workflows and data capture methods, establishment of pricing structure and project management approaches, and development of routine data analysis and QC reporting capabilities * Operate independently in a rapidly changing environment of next-generation sequencing and genotyping technologies and handles problem recognition, research, resolution and follow up for routine and complex problems * Troubleshoot issues relating to both existing and new laboratory techniques and provide feedback and potential solutions to scientists and management * Provide continual improvement efforts around all CGR pipelines, including optimization of automation capabilities, identification of process modifications to increase throughput while decreasing turnaround time and reducing process-related failures * Identify, test, optimize and implement new technologies and applications that support DCEG and CGR production laboratory and research efforts. This will include independent experimental design and execution, analysis and interpretation of results, and mapping out follow up work * Communicate results and interpretation to a diverse audience, including senior CGR scientists, DCEG collaborators, and internal stakeholders including bioinformatics, LIMS and project management staff * Perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, RTPCR, DNA/RNA extraction BASIC QUALIFICATIONS This position may be filled at either the Research Associate I or Research Associate II level. To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below: * Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education) * Foreign degrees must be evaluated for US equivalency * Research Associate I - two (2) years of relevant experience in a field related to molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry or other life science * Research Associate II - five (5) years of relevant experience in a field related to molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry or other life science * Basic knowledge of general laboratory techniques, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, genetics and genomics * Strong organization skills with the ability to multitask * Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate scientific results and exchange information on factual matters, requiring courtesy, tact and flexibility * Highly trustworthy and ability to work with both expensive equipment and highly precious samples * Analytical skills to resolve problems that require basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles * Working knowledge of Windows-based computer operating systems and Microsoft office suite * Must be able to obtain and maintain a clearance. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: * Experience with method development/scripting for automated liquid handlers * Experience with development of user requirements for a Laboratory Information Management System * Experience with histopathology, molecular and digital pathology applications * Experience with nucleic acid extraction, DNA/RNA handling, quantitation and quality assessment techniques * Experience with NGS technology platforms and/or analysis for human, viral and bacterial research * Experience with genotyping technologies and/or analysis * Experience with qPCR techniques and/or analysis * Assay Development expertise, with proven experience in quantitative analysis techniques JOB HAZARDS * This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations * This position is subject to the environmental conditions such as working outdoors, high humidity areas indoors, dampness and chilling, dry atmospheric conditions, etc. as part of the job Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) | Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) | Drug Free Workplace (DFW) #readytowork