JOBSEARCHER

Research Associate II - Influenza Immunology (VICD)

BiospaceFrederick, MDApril 26th, 2026
Job ID: req4529Employee Type: exempt full-timeDivision: Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer DirectorateFacility: Frederick: ATRFLocation: 8560 Progress Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 USAThe Frederick National Laboratory is 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.Program DescriptionThe Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate (VICD) has a primary mission to provide scientific leadership and laboratory infrastructure to study immune responses to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and other cancer preventive strategies in the context of preclinical and clinical studies. As of recent and part of a large effort, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) and other stakeholders are developing vaccines with durable protection for seasonal influenza virus. VICD is leading the development of immunoassays with the highest reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity for evaluation of immune responses against the virus and vaccine.VICD is recruiting for a Research Associate II to work in a new high impact laboratory that will develop and implement validated immunoassays to be utilized in clinical trial studies, within an internationally recognized research directorate. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working under the Good Clinical Laboratory Practices . This role offers a unique opportunity to shape new scientific directions within a mission-driven environment that integrates new assay development, translational research, and clinical evaluation of new preventive strategies.Key Roles/ResponsibilitiesVICD is recruiting for a Research Associate II to perform laboratory activities including sample management, reagent prep, conducting testing and troubleshooting, analyze data, supply ordering and other related activities.Responsible for sample management and inventoryOptimize and validate procedures and methodologies for assessment of immune responses to infections and vaccinesPlan experiments and conduct testing of large number of samples from clinical studiesWith limited supervision, design and implement protocols, as well as troubleshoot assays and experiments independentlyEvaluate, analyze and compile data, and maintain databasesResponsible for routine QC/QA procedures, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment and inventoriesPrepare reports, present data and participate in report and proposal preparationContribute or write SOPs or protocols in Master ControlUtilize Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for laboratory operationRemain current on literature and relevant laboratory techniquesOther duties as assignedBasic QualificationsTo 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. equivalencyIn addition to the education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experienceDetailed knowledge of vaccines, immunology, and virologyDemonstrated experience in cellular and molecular biological techniques, including tissue culture, aseptic techniques, cell line maintenance, production of plasmids and virus-like particles, western blot, ELISA, virus neutralizing assays, plaque assays, and PCRFamiliar with LIMS and Master Control (or other electronic documentation system)Experience in or familiarity with GCLP laboratoryDemonstrated or good understanding of Good Documentation Practices in laboratoryExcellent record keeping and organization skillsProficient in Word, Excel, PowerPointAbility to obtain and maintain a security clearance Preferred QualificationsCandidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: Master’s degree in relevant studiesExperience in development, validation and implementation of immunological assays including ELISA and antibody-basedExperience handling large data sets, statistics, software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Experience in laboratories operating under GCLP/GMP/GLP/CLIAExperience using robotics and electronic documentation systems and LIMSExperience with electronic documentation systems and LIMSJOB HAZARDSThis position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizationsCommitment to Non-DiscriminationAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, 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.Pay And BenefitsPay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here70,500.00 - 100,901.00 USDThe posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data.The salary range posted is a full-time equivalent salary and will vary depending on scheduled hours for part time positions