Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The AIDS and Cancer Virus Program (ACVP) is an integrated, multidisciplinary program that pursues basic and applied studies aimed at improving our understanding of AIDS-associated viruses and disease, including studies intended to facilitate the improved diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HIV infection and AIDS and cancers, particularly those associated with other viruses such as KSHV. The Program consists of independent but highly interactive Research Sections headed by Principal Investigators, whose work spans from fundamental molecular virology through in vitro studies, to non-human primate (NHP) model in vivo studies, international viral epidemiology, and cancer research. The ACVP also has Research Support Groups (Cores) that provide critical and often unique technical support capabilities to ACVP laboratories, other laboratories within the NCI and NIH, and to extramural investigators.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Seeking a highly motivated and skilled Flow Cytometrist to work in a dynamic, interactive, multidisciplinary research team studying AIDS pathogenesis and immune responses in human and non-human primate systems.

This Research Associate III will be responsible for:

1. Calibrating, maintaining, operating and troubleshooting state-of-the-art flow cytometers and associated lab equipment
2. Providing hands-on assistance and instrument/assay training to laboratory users
3. Performing existing flow cytometry assays in support of ongoing and new research studies and projects
4. Developing and executing new protocols and reagent panels
5. Enhancing the technical capabilities of the laboratory
6. Analyzing multiparametric data
7. Performing infectious sample cell sorting in compliance with established laboratory safety procedures 
8. Other duties include maintaining laboratory records, supply inventories, instrument and sample logs and working after hours, as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of Bachelor’s degree 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 the education requirement, a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience
• Dedicated hands-on flow cytometry experience, to include:
• use of BD Fortessa/LSR-II, Agilent Novocyte, and/or Cytek Aurora flow cytometers, and/or Sony SH800 and ThermoFisher Bigfoot cell sorters,
• instrument QC/setup, sample preparation and staining
• sample acquisition and data analysis
• Experience performing complex multiparameter flow cytometry phenotyping, functional immune assays and FACS
• A solid understanding of flow cytometers and associated technologies
• Experience using Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel and Word) and 3rd party flow cytometry data analysis software programs, and strong computer, database, and organizational skills
• Candidate will need to be highly motivated, independent, as well as able to work in a team environment, and able to multi-task while maintaining a high-level attention to detail
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Familiarization with performing flow cytometry on human and non-human primate samples
• Experience working in a fast-paced core laboratory environment
• Experience performing flow cytometry data analysis (preferably with FCS Express software), especially >15 parameters, and sorting infectious samples.

JOB HAZARDS

• 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 working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations