Research Associate II, Gene Editing

Employee Type: exempt full-time | Division: Laboratory Animal Science Program | Location: Frederick, MD (PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA)

About the Program

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.

Responsibilities

• Designing and building reagents for gene editing experiments
• Testing gene editing reagents in cultured cells
• Isolating nucleic acids from edited culture cells and performing downstream molecular biology assays (e.g. quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR))
• Preparing DNA input for high throughput Illumina sequencing
• Analysis and interpretation of results from gene editing experiments
• Laboratory ordering and inventory management

Requirements

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in a field related to biomedical research or four (4) years equivalent experience in the appropriate field in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Minimum of five (5) years job-related microbiological and molecular biology experience
• Experience in maintaining and manipulating cultured cells using sterile techniques
• Experience in designing and performing PCR experiments
• Meticulous note-taking habits to maintain accurate and precise records
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Gene editing (Zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, or CRISPR technologies)
• Illumina sequencing – preparing DNA sequencing libraries
• Plasmid DNA cloning
• In vitro transcription of RNA
• Mammalian tissue culture experience
• Basic programming – running python code and scripts
• Excellent written and oral communications skills – primary author publications and/or oral presentations
• Strong organizational skills

Job Hazards

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

Pay

70,500.00 - 100,901.00 USD

The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data. The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions.

Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement.