About the position
The Research Associate I position at the Frederick National Laboratory is a full-time role within the Applied & Development Research Program, specifically in the AIDS Monitoring Laboratory (AML). The AML is a cutting-edge clinical research laboratory that focuses on basic immunology and flow cytometry, with a primary mission to conduct sequential studies of immune function in patients suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other emerging infectious diseases that lead to immunologic dysfunction. This role is critical in addressing urgent biomedical challenges, particularly in the fields of cancer and AIDS, drug development, and the rapid response to infectious disease threats. In this position, the Research Associate will be responsible for processing blood and body fluids from patients, performing immunophenotypic analysis of blood specimens, and operating advanced laboratory equipment such as the BD Fortessa flow cytometer. The role also includes performing basic data analysis, ensuring quality control and maintenance of lab equipment, and conducting cell sorting using a Sony LE-MA900. All tasks will be executed under Biosafety Level-2 conditions, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment. The work environment may require standing, walking, and rapid mental/muscular coordination, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a laboratory team is essential. The position also necessitates the ability to lift up to 25 pounds and the capability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, given the nature of the work with potentially infectious materials.
Responsibilities
- Processing blood and body fluids from patients with HIV disease or other emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases.
- Performing immunophenotypic analysis of patient blood specimens.
- Operating a BD Fortessa flow cytometer.
- Performing basic data analysis.
- Conducting quality control and maintenance of lab equipment and supplies.
- Performing cell sorting on a Sony LE-MA900.
- Documenting procedures and results.
Requirements
- Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
- A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related field.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a laboratory team.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Nice-to-haves
- Knowledge of flow cytometry (preferred but not required).
- Experience with cell sorting (preferred).
- Good working knowledge of Windows-based computer operating systems.
