Scientist II, Standardized Organoid Modeling Center

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 Scientist II in the MEAD (Major Equipment and Assay Development) Lab within the SOM Center will be responsible for:

• Executing all pre-clinical scientific research and/or development strategies.
• Exercising independent judgment in developing methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Applying expert knowledge of scientific principles and concepts.
• Contributing scientific and technical expertise through experimental and computational approaches to support the development of novel technologies, inventions, and products.
• Acting as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
• Exercising latitude in troubleshooting experiments and approaches to critical assignments.
• Maintaining broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
• Making major contributions to scientific literature and conferences.
• Considering multiple perspectives and future impact of research and/or development.
• Solving unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on business.
• May participate in development of patent applications.
• Interfacing with various departments and serves as internal consultants.
• Accountable for meeting pre-set, specific targets which will impact discipline.

Basic Qualifications

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of a PhD degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of related experience.
• Expert knowledge of tissue engineering or biomedical engineering principles.
• Expert in performing basic and advanced laboratory techniques germane to tissue engineering, biomedical engineering, and cell-based assays.
• 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.
• Extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals, with demonstrated impact on the field.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one relevant scientific discipline with a sustained record of significant scientific accomplishments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and advanced software for statistical analyses, scientific computing, engineering design, or -omics analyses.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Advanced proficiency 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.
• Competency in at least one additional area from the list above.
• Proficiency or competency in a total of at least three areas from the list above.

Job Hazards

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