Research Associate I, Tissue Engineering

Program Description

The Laboratory & Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for laboratory and animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of husbandry, veterinary, state-of-the-art technology, and pre-clinical scientific services. LASP also provides primary support to the NIH Standardized Organoid Modeling (SOM) Initiative to address the need for validated, scalable, and reproducible organoid-based Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs) in biomedical research. Our team provides technical infrastructure, operational integration, and specialized expertise to drive the development and optimization of organoid models of normal (non-cancerous) human tissues derived from a wide range of tissue types and donor sources.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

The Research Associate I position in the MEAD (Major Equipment and Assay Development) Lab within the SOM Center:

• Executes experiments and/or assays to accomplish scientific objectives defined by a program scientist.
• Sets up and conducts experiments using protocols specified by a program scientist.
• Exercises independent judgment within a defined work scope.
• Modifies and updates protocols.
• Operates and maintains sensitive biomedical equipment.
• Maintains proper quality control checks for experiments, assays, and equipment.
• Compiles, analyzes, and reports scientific data to laboratory supervisors.
• Keeps exact and detailed records and documents laboratory operations and data collection.
• May include formal reporting of data - including presentation and/or publications.
• May independently perform assay development, seeking advice when appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by a responsible authority.
• Carries out a variety of diverse research procedures of a highly specialized nature; applies routine algebraic formulae and statistical methods; performs exacting quality control tests; performs basic computer operations; trains lower-level personnel, modifies existing procedures based on experience.
• Communicates effectively and proactively, orally and in writing.
• Applies principles of tissue engineering or biomedical engineering in support of program activities, including data collection, analysis, reporting, and the application of mathematical and statistical methods.
• Performs basic laboratory techniques and procedures related to tissue engineering or biomedical engineering in support of research and development activities.

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 related experience.
• Working knowledge of tissue engineering or biomedical engineering principles.
• Hands-on experience performing basic laboratory techniques germane to tissue engineering or biomedical engineering.
• Experience executing laboratory protocols, collecting and documenting experimental data, and maintaining accurate laboratory records.
• Experience operating standard biomedical laboratory equipment and performing routine quality control procedures.
• Experience analyzing and reporting experimental results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Competency in one or more of the following areas: organoid engineering, tissue engineering, biomaterials manufacturing, extracellular matrix processing, bioreactor design and engineering, development of cell-based and/or molecular assays, biomedical optics, bioprinting/biophotonics, and prevascularization approaches.

Job Hazards

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

Pay

58,200.00 - 83,353.00 USD