Research Associate I - Influenza Immunology (VICD)

About the Role

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 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 I to work in a new high impact laboratory that will develop and implement validated immunoassays to be utilized in clinical trial studies, within an internationally recognized research directorate. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working under the Good Clinical Laboratory Practices. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape new scientific directions within a mission-driven environment that integrates new assay development, translational research, and clinical evaluation of new preventive strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory activities including sample management, reagent prep, conducting testing and troubleshooting, analyze data, supply ordering and other related activities
• Responsible for sample management and inventory
• Optimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infections and vaccines
• Plan experiments and conduct testing of large number of samples from clinical studies
• Independently design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independently
• Evaluate, analyze and compile data, and 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
• Contribute or write SOPs or protocols in Master Control
• Utilize Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for laboratory operation
• Remain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniques
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• 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 progressively responsible experience
• Knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virology
• Demonstrated experience in cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western blot, ELISA, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCR
• Familiar with LIMS and Master Control (or other electronic documentation system)
• Experience in or familiarity with GCLP laboratory
• Demonstrated understanding of Good Documentation Practices in laboratory
• Excellent record keeping and organization skills
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant studies
• Experience in development, validation and implementation of immunological assays including ELISA and antibody-based
• Experience handling large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIA
• Experience using robotics and electronic documentation systems and LIMS
• Experience with electronic documentation systems and LIMS

Work Hazards

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