Small Lab Animal Research Associate I

Small Lab Animal Research Associate I

Job ID: req3824
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Laboratory Animal Science Program
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and 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.
Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for 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 state-of-the-art technologies and services focused on the design, generation, characterization, and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease. The Animal Research Technical Support (ARTS) team within LASP utilizes advanced methodologies to perform research into the development of new cancer models, targeted diagnostics, and cancer therapies.

As a Research Associate, you will be working closely with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment on multiple basic and translational cancer research projects simultaneously.  Types of studies include tumorigenesis, toxicity, PK/PD, cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy studies on xenograft/allograft, PDX, or genetically engineered mouse models.  Responsibilities include taking lead on the in vivo portions of studies from start to finish, including project planning, conducting experiments, recording, and creating detailed study reports, and updates for the investigators.  Research Associates coordinate and communicate study details and scheduling with other core facilities, team members, and management.  Specific responsibilities include:

• Performing rodent colony management and maintenance of real-time animal colony database (TOPAZ).
• Designing optimal breeding strategies based on genotyping results.
• Independently designing and scheduling experimental studies.
• Performing experiments including surgical procedures utilizing experimental compounds and chemical carcinogens.
• Performing injections via various routes including s.c., i.p., i.v., and oral gavage.
• Monitoring phenotypes and treatment responses.
• Performing detailed necropsy procedures to collect blood and tissues.
• Collecting and recording tumor measurements and body weights utilizing electronic instruments and databases.
• Working with potentially hazardous radiological, chemical, and biological materials.
• This is a change-in facility.

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

• Possession of Bachelor's degree in a field related to biomedical research 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 education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years job-related biomedical experience.
• Experience in rodent breeding colony management and associated procedures.
• Experience in performing experimental procedures including injections and compound administration.
• Experience working with various tumor models.
• Ability to maintain precise, accurate records utilizing different software platforms.
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities and the basic requirements for maintaining laboratory animals and performing scientific procedures involving animal testing and data collection.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Experience with cancer treatment or vaccine studies in rodents.
• Experience in calculating dosing concentrations and preparing chemicals for dosing.
• Experience in performing surgical procedures on rodents.
• Understanding of Mendelian genetics.
• AALAS certification.
• Excellent time management and organization skills; ability to multi-task and work under time constraints.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s).
• This position is subject to atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a respirator, requiring a medical clearance.
• This position is subject to working in or have the potential to exposure to high noise levels for extended periods of time requiring medical clearance.
• This position may require continuous or intermittent exposure to and exertion in environmental conditions such as working outdoors, temperature extremes, humidity extremes. etc. as part of the job.
• This position is subject to working with radioactive material and requires to become an approved radiation worker.

Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, 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. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
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