Staff Scientist I

Children's National Hospital

1d • $73,195 - $121,971

About The Position

The Vasileva team studies how developmental programs and oncogenic gene fusions contribute to pediatric cancer. Using zebrafish models, cell culture, and molecular and imaging approaches, the lab investigates tumor initiation, cell-state changes, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment to identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. The position is expected to devote approximately 70% of its time to research and 30% to laboratory management.

Staff Scientist I is a junior-career research position reporting to the principal investigator. The role conducts research of significant scientific value in basic or translational sciences and provides specialized skills, knowledge, and experience to research programs or core laboratories. Duties include laboratory research, education, and management; training technical staff, students, fellows, and physicians in laboratory procedures; and assisting the principal investigator with grant applications and publications.

The role includes research and development of next-generation sequencing clinical assays, laboratory experiments and method development, data collection and analysis, and collaboration with team members. Research is conducted under the technical guidance of the principal investigator and senior staff scientist, and in accordance with federal and institutional regulations and policies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.D.; alternatively, an MS degree with 3 years of relevant work experience.
• At least 2 to 4 years of progressive specialized post-doctoral experience.
• Knowledge or skills in next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and molecular genetics.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, mouse xenograft studies, and genetically engineered animal models.
• Ability to plan and conduct laboratory experiments, troubleshoot protocols, document results, develop SOPs, and maintain organized research records.
• Technical expertise in Western blotting, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, advanced cell proliferation/migration/invasion assays, and cellular gene editing.
• Experience managing and organizing data to support reproducible analysis and clear presentation of results.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and manage research projects within federal and institutional regulations and policies under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Conduct research and development of new next-generation sequencing clinical assays.
• Perform laboratory experiments, develop methods, take measurements, record observations, collect and process data, and analyze results.
• Assist with data analysis and management.
• Use research funds and resources appropriately and maintain confidentiality of data as required.
• Meet annual job-related training and compliance requirements.
• Train technical staff, students, fellows, and physicians in laboratory procedures.
• Assist the principal investigator with writing grant applications and publications.
• Collaborate with team members to accomplish organizational goals and offer ideas to improve group-level efficiency.
• Devote approximately 70% of time to research and 30% to laboratory management.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• 401(k) plan.
• Healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
• Tuition assistance.
• Fitness resources.
• Employee assistance.
• Commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree