Research Associate I - ADRD

Program Description

The In Vivo Evaluation Group, Biological Testing Branch (BTB) of the Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP), Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) is establishing both in vitro and in vivo tumor lines from patient biopsies from DCTD sponsored clinical trials with the goal of developing models for NCI's Patient Derived Models Repository (PDMR). The PDMR is a repository of patient-derived models that include in vivo tumor fragments, in vitro tumor lines (2D and 3D), cancer associated fibroblasts, and DNA/RNA isolates. The goal of the PDMR is to distribute well validated and highly characterized material to researchers worldwide. A secondary mission is to evaluate the efficacy of approved oncology drugs in combination or as single agents in a subset of rare and recalcitrant PDX tumor models. In addition to the above, the candidate may also be responsible for establishing, characterizing and propagating murine tumor models. As each model is developed and fully characterized, preclinical studies are performed to evaluate the efficacy of immuno-oncology agents, small molecule targeted therapies alone or in combination and other agents of interest to the program.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Implant biopsied tumor material derived from patients into mice/rats, monitor the mice/rats daily for tumor growth, measure tumors, harvest tumor tissue for the repository and provide tumor material to staff for the establishment of in vitro cultures, quality control, RNA and DNA preparation for sequencing
• Update the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tracking sheets and log experimental data into Studylog. The maintenance of proper records is critical as each patient sample will be passaged and expanded multiple times in NSG mice or in rats
• Implant, establish and propagate murine tumor models
• Perform drug toxicity and drug efficacy studies that require administration of test agents by multiple routes (IV, IP, PO, SC) on schedules varying from a single dose to multiple times per day for multiple days/weeks depending on the agents administered
• Maintain a proper living environment for test animals
• Aid in any other routine tasks as needed (tube labeling, sample deliveries/pick-ups, autoclaving instruments, etc.).
• Occasional weekend work is required
• Tasks are performed independently and initially will involve training and supervision

Basic Qualifications

• 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 two (2) years of related experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated organizational skills and database management skills
• Ability to maintain precise records
• Ability to be flexible to meet changing needs
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work alone as well as part of a team
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous animal handling experience
• Knowledge of basic necropsy techniques
• Experience with IV, IP, PO, SC injections
• Previous experience working under ABSL-2 conditions