Research Associate II/ III, Molecular Pathology, CGR (req2067)

Company: Frederick National Laboratory
Location: Rockville
Posted on: October 7, 2021

Job Description:

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory (CGR) investigates the contribution of germline and somatic genetic variation to cancer susceptibility and outcomes in support of the NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), the world's most comprehensive cancer epidemiology research group. CGR is located at the NCI-Shady Grove campus in Rockville, MD and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. We care deeply about discovering the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer, and new approaches to cancer prevention, through our contributions to the molecular, genetic, and epidemiologic research of the 70+ investigators in DCEG. Working in concert with epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and basic research scientists in DCEG's intramural research program, CGR provides the capacity to conduct genome-wide discovery studies and targeted regional approaches to identify the heritable determinants of various forms of cancer. This includes the design and analysis of high throughput studies using various types of "-omics" technologies such as array- and sequence-based genome-wide association studies, studies of tumor characteristics using integrated genomic data analysis, and molecular epidemiologic studies based on novel assays focused on the metabolome and microbiome.

Within CGR, the Molecular and Digital Pathology Laboratory (MDPL) supports the generation of comprehensive data on histological and molecular profiling of tumors and their precursors including histology, various approaches for biomarker analysis, digital pathology, and image analysis. This laboratory section is tightly integrated with existing CGR capabilities, including somatic genomic analyses and bioinformatics. We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Research Associate II/III for the MDPL.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot IHC/IF immunostaining assays on automated platforms for prospective image analysis
• Design and execute comparative experiments, including preliminary QC and analysis and thoughtful summarization and presentation of results
• Ensure proper documentation of all experimental and laboratory processes in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other tracking systems as required
• Perform basic histology techniques, including embedding, microtomy, H&E staining, and coverslipping
• Digitize H&E and IHC/IF slides using a slide scanner
• Maintain instruments by use of preventive maintenance procedures in accordance with established SOPs and vendor guidelines
• Organize day to day tasks and monitor reagent inventory for immunostaining and other laboratory projects
• Train new staff on established SOPs and develop SOPs for new procedures

• Possession of Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in a field related to biomedical/biochemical research or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
  • RA II - In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years related biomedical/biochemical experience
  • RA III - In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of eight (8) years ofrelated biomedical/biochemical experience
• Extensive experience in chromogenic and fluorescent assay development/optimization on automated staining platforms (Leica Bond and Ventana Discovery Ultra preferred) using human FFPE and frozen tissue sections
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot immunostaining assays with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with automated histopathology instrumentation, including tissue processors, microtomes, H&E stainers, slide coverslippers, brightfield and fluorescent microscopes, stereoscopes, and IHC stainers
• Knowledge of basic histological techniques, including tissue processing and embedding, microtomy/cryotomy, H&E staining, slide coverslipping, microscopic recognition of major human tissue types, and QC of unstained and stained slides
• Careful attention to detail. Must be analytical, flexible, innovative, and self-motivated
• Team-oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail; ability to organize and execute multiple projects in parallel both independently and as part of working groups, demonstrated ability to interact effectively with cross-functional teams
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

• HT/HTL (ASCP) certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists
• Experience with IHC/IF assays on archival human FFPE oncology tissue specimens
• Familiarity with image analysis platforms
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, such as RNA, DNA, and protein purification;
  • RNase-free tissue handling of fixed and frozen biological material
• Experience with ISH and IHC/IF multiplex assays (RNAScope, Ultivue and GeoMx DSP)
• Working experience with hand macro-dissection and laser capture microdissection of FFPE and frozen samples, TMA construction on automated tissue arrayer
• Experience with brightfield and florescence slide scanners (Leica AT2 and Zeiss Axio Scan.Z1)
• Experience with LabVantage LIMS
• Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of proper storage, management, and handling of a diverse collection of FFPE and frozen human biospecimens
• Strong sense of personal responsibility and ability to work with a team
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute multiple projects

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations
• This position is subject to the environmental conditions such as working outdoors, high humidity areas indoors, dampness and chilling, dry atmospheric conditions, etc. as part of the job

Keywords: Frederick National Laboratory, Rockville , Research Associate II/ III, Molecular Pathology, CGR (req2067), Other , Rockville, Maryland