Research Associate II- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory

About the Frederick National Laboratory

The Frederick National Laboratory is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Program Description

The Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise, and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives. The CRTP is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community. A major focus of the CRTP is the NCI RAS Initiative with the goal of discovering new therapeutic interventions against RAS-driven cancers. In addition, the CRTP hosts the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL), which performs and standardizes preclinical efficacy and toxicity testing of nanoparticles intended for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, and the Antibody Characterization Lab (ACL), which characterizes monoclonal antibodies or other renewable affinity binding reagents for use in cancer-related research. CRTP scientists also work collaboratively with intramural NCI investigators to provide research technologies and expertise.

Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL)

Founded in 2004 in collaboration with the FDA and NIST, the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) is a public–private partnership dedicated to advancing the science needed to expedite the development of promising nanotechnology-based cancer therapies and diagnostics. To date, the NCL has tested more than 600 unique nanomaterials and collaborated with over 200 academic researchers and companies. Serving as a comprehensive resource and knowledge base, the NCL facilitates the development and clinical translation of cancer nanotechnologies across academia, industry, and government. The NCL fulfills this mission through several key operational areas, which include the following: platform and lead candidate characterization & evaluation, toxicity and safety evaluation, translational research, and method development.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and manipulate cell cultures, including traditional 2D, 3D, and organoid cultures, for downstream screening, including histological and cytological analysis.
• Execute cell-based toxicity and efficacy assays (e.g., MTT, LDH) to screen nanomedicine drug candidates.
• Perform in vitro immunotoxicity evaluations, including multicolor flow cytometry for surface marker expression and supernatant analysis for the presence of soluble biomarkers.
• Perform specialized, real-time assays (such as extracellular flux analysis or Seahorse XF assays) to characterize cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function, and energetic shifts.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in Immunology, Bioengineering, or a related field. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of relevant laboratory experience is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic mammalian cell culture, encompassing primary cells (PBMCs, iPSCs) and immortalized cell lines.
• Practical experience growing and analyzing 3D cell models (spheroids and organoids) for safety and efficacy evaluations.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing multicolor flow cytometry, single/multiplex ELISAs, and immunohistochemistry, coupled with strong analytical data processing skills.
• Hands-on experience operating real-time metabolic analyzers (e.g., Agilent Seahorse XF or equivalent) and analyzing data related to oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Prior experience handling and evaluating the biological interactions of engineered nanomaterials or nanomedicines.
• Understanding of the preclinical drug development process and regulatory guidelines for safety screening.
• Experience in bioanalytical method development and assay optimization for novel therapeutics.

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.

Pay

70,500.00 - 100,901.00 USD