Research Associate I - ACVP

Frederick National Laboratory is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. and addresses urgent and intractable problems in biomedical sciences, including cancer, AIDS, drug development, nanotechnology in medicine, and emerging infectious diseases.

About the Role

The AIDS and Cancer Virus Program (ACVP) is an integrated, multidisciplinary program pursuing basic and applied studies to improve understanding of AIDS-associated viruses. The program spans molecular virology, in vitro studies, in vivo studies in non-human primate models, and international viral epidemiology. The ACVP also provides critical technical support to laboratories within the NCI, NIH, and extramural investigators.

The Research Associate I will join the Viral Oncology Section (VOS) under Dr. Denise Whitby, supporting CLIA-regulated activities, research studies, and collaborative projects focused on Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and other oncogenic viruses.

Responsibilities

• Receive, accession, label, process, aliquot, store, retrieve, and ship human biospecimens while maintaining accurate specimen identity and traceability.
• Process whole blood for separation of plasma, PBMCs, oral fluid, effusions, CSF, tissues, and other OPIM.
• Perform established molecular (quantitative real-time PCR), serologic, and cell-based laboratory procedures according to approved SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and contemporaneous laboratory records, including specimen logs, assay worksheets, instrument records, reagent records, and electronic databases.
• Perform routine quality-control activities and document assay performance, control results, deviations, corrective actions, and other required quality records.
• Identify specimen, assay, equipment, or documentation issues and promptly communicate concerns to supervisory or senior laboratory staff.
• Perform minimal routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, including function checks, N₂ replenishment, thawing, temperature monitoring, and documentation.
• Monitor reagent and supply inventories, track expiration dates and lot numbers, and assist with ordering and restocking.
• Support cell culture activities, including maintenance of cell lines and preparation of cells for laboratory assays.
• Enter, review, and organize laboratory data using FMPro databases and Microsoft Office applications.
• Coordinate work across multiple concurrent studies and prioritize time-sensitive specimen processing and testing activities.
• Participate in laboratory training, competency assessment, proficiency testing, audits, and continuous quality-improvement activities.
• Perform other related laboratory and administrative duties as assigned, collaborating with VOS staff and external investigators.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in Biology, Virology, Immunology, or a related discipline, or four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Minimum of two (2) years of laboratory experience.
• High organizational skills and strong attention to detail to manage multiple studies and specimens from different institutions.
• Ability to multitask, work in a team, and demonstrate flexibility, including eagerness to be cross-trained.
• Ability to work independently after training, following laboratory SOPs and quality-management procedures, and seeking guidance when needed.
• Experience with cell culture and processing biospecimens, including whole blood (PBMC separation), plasma, OPIM, oral fluids, and tissues.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction.
• Experience maintaining complete, accurate, and contemporaneous laboratory records, including specimen receipt, processing, testing, result documentation, and chain of custody.
• Ability to prepare reagents, controls, and specimens accurately and consistently.
• Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration checks, monitoring, reagent inventory, and lot tracking.
• Ability to perform routine quality-control activities, recognize assay or specimen problems, document deviations, and escalate issues.
• Ability to follow universal precautions and bloodborne-pathogen practices for handling potentially infectious human specimens.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a CLIA-regulated or comparable quality-controlled laboratory.
• Experience with quality-control documentation, assay deviations, equipment maintenance, calibration, and reagent lot tracking.
• Familiarity with clinical laboratory quality-management systems.
• Experience with database management, LIMS, or specimen-tracking databases.
• Experience with molecular or serologic assays such as qPCR, ELISA, bead-based assays, or ELISpot.

Job Hazards

This position involves working with or potential exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.

Pay

Competitive compensation with a pay range of $58,200.00 – $83,353.00 USD. The posted range is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation. Additional factors considered include job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market alignment.

Benefits

Employment benefits include Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement. More details are available on the employer’s website.