Research Associate I - ADRD

Program Description

The In Vivo Evaluation Group, Biological Testing Branch (BTB) of the Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP), Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) 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.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Aid in the daily maintenance and cryopreservation of the various cultures grown in different medias
• Establish organoid cultures from patient samples and from tumors isolated from mice
• Prepare cultures for the various validation assays (flow cytometry, cell sorting, Q RT PCR, soft agar clonal assays, RNA/DNA extraction, the STR identity assay, proliferation assays, etc)
• Prepare all required medias, components and reagents used in the culture of organoid cultures
• Aid in other routine tasks as needed such as cell photography, PowerPoint presentations, tube/plate labeling, cell deliveries/pick-ups etc
• Maintain precise documentation of each 2D/3D cell line in Excel spreadsheets.

Basic Qualifications

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or 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 progressively responsible experience
• Ability to be flexible to meet changing needs
• Organizational skills and database management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work under Biosafety Level-2 conditions
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of sterile eukaryotic tissue culture techniques
• Knowledge of organoid cell culture

Job Hazards

• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to animals(s) and/or animal material(s)
• This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations