Research Associate II- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory

About the role

The Cancer Research Technology Program (CRTP) at the Frederick National Laboratory seeks a highly skilled laboratory technician to support the NCI RAS Initiative and the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL).

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university recognized by the CHEA in Immunology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic mammalian cell culture, encompassing primary cells (PBMCs, iPSCs) and immortalized cell lines.
• Hands-on 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.

Program Description

The CRTP develops and implements emerging technology, cancer biology expertise, and research capabilities to accomplish NCI research objectives. It is an outward-facing, multi-disciplinary hub purposed to enable the external cancer research community. The CRTP focuses on the NCI RAS Initiative and hosts the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) and the Antibody Characterization Lab (ACL).

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Pay and Benefits

The posted pay range for this job is $70,500.00 - $100,901.00 USD. 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.