Research Associate I (Pre-Clinical)

The Geneva Foundation•Rockville, MD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pre-Clinical Research Associate supports laboratory research experiments and collects, enters, analyzes, and maintains scientific research study data under the supervision of the Principal Investigator or their designee. Experimental work may include cell culture, biological assays, qPCR, and microscopy. The position focuses entirely on cellular, chemical, and materials-based laboratory research. The Research Associate is expected to perform experimental procedures autonomously or with minimal supervision, contribute to technical documentation, and assist with data analysis, interpretation, and scientific reporting. The role is 100% onsite at the Uniformed Services University (USU) Center for Biotechnology (4DBio³) in Rockville, Maryland. Candidates must be within commuting distance of the Rockville Metro area and must undergo a thorough government background check. Applicants should clearly identify relevant experience in manufactured blood product development, such as using stem cells for large-scale blood cell production for transfusion, engineering animal-derived blood products, or developing synthetic blood substitutes. The USU 4DBio³ develops and applies advanced biotechnologies to enhance the readiness, health, and well-being of America's Warfighters, veterans, and families. Its multidisciplinary work spans advanced imaging, on-demand blood products, organ-on-chip and microphysiological systems, wound care, traumatic brain injury diagnostics, and point-of-need medical devices. The Geneva Foundation is the nonprofit administrative partner for 4DBio³, managing federal grants and cooperative agreements that support research, education and training, and scholarship activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a similar field.
1–3 years of laboratory research experience.
Expertise in aseptic techniques and the handling and maintenance of cell lines.
Experience with cell culture and cell line propagation, and experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory.
Experience with hematopoietic stem cell and/or iPSC culture and differentiation.
Experience with flow cytometry.
Experience with cell media evaluation, development, and optimization.
Experience with basic molecular biology techniques.
Ability to multitask.
Competence in oral and written communication.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in fast-paced environments with strict deadlines.
Experience in a wet lab environment.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not provided.
Must be within commuting distance of the Rockville Metro area.
Must undergo a thorough government background check.
Applicants should indicate relevant experience in manufactured blood product development in their application materials.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of cell culture scale-up and bioreactors.

Responsibilities

Execute research studies under the direction of the project's Principal Investigator or Research Scientist.
Manage study documentation and prepare progress reports.
Interact and communicate effectively with the Principal Investigator, other site personnel, and The Geneva Foundation personnel.
Procure supplies and equipment as authorized under research budget guidelines.
Assist with interim and annual reports.
Actively participate in regular team meetings.
Complete required and applicable research training needed to complete research.
Comply with rules and regulations applicable to the assigned duty station.
Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and infection control procedures.
Support laboratory experiments and collect, enter, analyze, and maintain scientific research study data.
Perform experimental procedures autonomously or with minimal supervision; contribute to technical documentation and assist with data analysis, interpretation, and scientific reporting.