MODIFICATION
Q -- Radiobiological Research Program
- Notice Date
- 8/27/2004
- Notice Type
- Modification
- NAICS
- 621511
— Medical Laboratories
- Contracting Office
- Other Defense Agencies, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Directorate of Contracting, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-4799
- ZIP Code
- 20814-4799
- Solicitation Number
- HU0001-04-R-1504
- Response Due
- 9/10/2004
- Archive Date
- 9/25/2004
- Point of Contact
- H. Floyd, Contract Specialist, Phone 301-295-3923, Fax 301-295-1716, - Christina Johnson, Contract Specialist, Phone (301) 295-3069, Fax (301) 295-1716,
- E-Mail Address
-
hfloyd@uhuhs.mil, cjohnson@usuhs.mil
- Description
- This is a continuation of the terms and conditions covered in the basic notice: POSITION DESCRIPTION - RESEARCH ASSISTANT CLIN 000102 /000202 (Radiation Infection Treatment) Position is anticipated to be able to be filled by a Research Assistant - Grade 2 or 3 or Research Associate - Grade 1 INTRODUCTION The mission of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) shall be to conduct research in the field of radiobiology and related matters essential to the operational and medical support of the Department of Defense (DoD) and shall support defense research requirements identified by the DoD components. AFRRI may provide services and perform cooperative research with other federal and civilian agencies and institutions, with the approval of the Director. The individual of this position will be responsible for applying a variety of technician skills and abilities in support of research on the interactions of radiation with infectious agents. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Maintains a variety of cell types in tissue culture. These activities include: a) The use of sterile tissue culture techniques. b) Independently evaluating cell culture status and health. c) Preparing and maintaining working stocks of cell and viral cultures. d) Performing standard tissue culture techniques including maintenance of tissue culture equipment such as incubators, and reagents stocks including, but not limited to, preparation of media, additives and cell passaging. The Responsibility for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing all indicated laboratory materials and research areas in compliance with biosafety standards for microbiological and biomedical laboratories. Independently sets maintenance schedules. Overseeing proper care for special glassware, preparing laboratory reagents as required, and maintaining laboratory stores. Follows protocols for exposure of animals and cell cultures to microbiological agents, virus and/or bacteria, pharmacological agents and/or ionizing radiation. Schedules time for use of the radiation facilities. Coordinates the housing of exposed animals in the animal facility. Receive any vaccinations and/or other therapies needed for the safe handling of microbiological agents, e.g. viruses, bacterial and/or toxins. Performs experiments to assess the physiological and biochemical effects of exposure of rodents or cell cultures to radiation BW simulants or BW agents singly or in combination. Activities include the handling of rodents to include injections, complex gross and fine dissections, surgical procedures on live animals, and euthanasia. Prepares samples and/or primary cultures of tissues and/or cells isolated from rodents. This requires the euthanasia of adult, neonatal and/or fetal rodents, dissection of appropriate tissues and preparation of cellular cultures. Also required are preparation of standard solutions and handling of potentially toxic chemicals, viral or bacterial agents and the use of specialized equipment such as the spectrophotometer, plate readers, microscopes,. and fluorimeters. Performs various biochemical and molecular biology assays and manipulations. Examples are butare but not limited to, ELISA, nucleic, nucleic acid and protein isolation and characterizations, such as gel electrophoresis and Northern, Southern and Western blotting and techniques associated with gene manipulation and expression as well as proteomic and genomic methods. Plans and develops research protocols in coordination with the investigator to accomplish project goals. Collects, records and analyzes research data. Independently prepares and enters raw data into computer spreadsheets, performs data reduction and statistical analyses, and prepares appropriate tables and graphs for inclusion in presentations and manuscripts. Keeps detailed records of results from all experiments conducted in accordance with experimental protocols. Maintains daily log recording procedural details. Responsible for preparing preliminary reports which summarize research results and progress towards research objectives. Assists with the assessment of the scientific literature on radiation/viral interactions by reviewing standard databases and acquiring appropriate scientific articles as required by the investigator. Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals and technical review and the analysis, evaluation and interpretation of the experimental findings. Aids in the preparation of presentations of finds to AFRRI, DoD and other appropriate audiences. Cooperates with other professional and technical personnel, at AFRRI or other institutions, who may become involved in aspects of the research, as well as AFRRI personnel responsible for shared institute resources. As necessary aids in coordinating research efforts and protocols when experiments involve several investigators. Orders supplies based on stock depletion. Maintains a logbook on status of all supplies ordered and received. Participates in training programs to increase knowledge and abilities relevant to the needs of the research program as needed and requested. Learns new techniques to enhance quality of research performed. Performs all additional duties as required and assigned for the successful and timely completion of the research mission. JOB SPECIFICATION: Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Mastery of technical information and underlying theoretical principles as presented in advanced courses in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and physiology and/or cell biology. Skilled in the operation and setup of laboratory equipment such as, but not limited to, autoclaves, laminar flow hoods, volume pipettes, centrifuges, pH meters, analytical balances, spectrophotometers, fluorimeters, gel electrophoresis apparatus, and microscopes. Skilled in practical pathogenic microbiology and/or tissue culture techniques such as sterile techniques, staining, isolation and identification procedures. Extensive knowledge of tissue culturetechniques including sterile techniques for feeding, splitting and freezing cells in culture, detailed knowledge of many different cell types and cell lines, knowledge of how to determine growth characteristics and health of cells in culture. Knowledge of laboratory practices for handling experimental animals including injections, dissection and euthanasia. Knowledge of physiological solutions and procedures for handling potentially toxic agents. Knowledge of these laboratory practices, procedures and associated reagents at a level that the candidate will use to exercise judgment as their appropriateness for successfully meeting the experimental and research goals. Has the knowledge, skills and ability to work independently to handle laboratory assignments quickly and efficiently. Capable of training and overseeing junior staff members such as summer employees, student trainees, and other junior staff members as assigned by the team leader. Knowledge and experience in the use of computer programs for word-processing, data analysis, spreadsheets and graphics for data analysis and data presentation. Experience with or willingness and ability to acquire skills in computer based computer-controlled data acquisition instrumentation for on-line experimentation. Knowledge of all phases of a scientific project to aid in the development of research goals, laboratory procedures and methods of data analysis. Knowledge of scientific literature databases. Knowledge of experimental design and execution and formal training with pathogenic microorganisms and/or mammalian cell culture, obtained by practical experience in a research laboratory, that would enable the candidate to independently use, develop and modify techniques and procedures required to meet the laboratories research objectives. Knowledge of laboratory techniques relevant to cell biology, molecular biology, virology, and biochemistry applications. Including, but not limited to, sterile tissue culture techniques, dissection, primary cell culture, histology, gel electrophoresis, protein, RNA, DNA isolation, manipulation and characterization, gene expression, transfections and manipulation, cell viability assays, cytokine measurements (ELISA etc), measurements of cell metabolites and viral assay methods, and methods associated with proteomics and genomics. Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary laboratory to effectively accomplish and communicate research findings. Skill to act as the research team leader's liaison in interacting with all levels of laboratory personnel, contractors and clients outside the Institute. Minimum Education/Training Requirements A Master's Degree in bio-medically related science such as Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Physiology, or Pharmacology with some post-graduate experience is preferred. Individuals holding a Bachelor's Degree in these areas with varying levels of additional relevant experience will also be considered. Minimum Experience Performance of the duties in this position requires the education and experience minimally requires a B.S with one or more years of laboratory experience or advanced education at least to the Master level. Formal education should be in Biology, Physiology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Pharmacology or Biochemistry. It is highly desirable, and essential for some duties, that the individual be proficient in basic laboratory skills commiserate with individuals holding a M.S. in the biological sciences. Physical Capabilities Work is performed in a laboratory atmosphere that requires mental alertness and physical activity. The individual must be able to move freely in a crowded bio-medical research laboratory. Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods, as well as occasional bending, climbing, walking and carrying light objects while performing laboratory work is necessary. Lifting up to 50 pounds is required occasionally. Occasional work under very low light level conditions is necessary. Appropriate inoculations for vaccination against infectious agents and/or medical treatment may be necessary and therefore required. Required Licenses, Certification, or Registration The individual must be able to pass the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute security clearance requirements. Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls Works under the general technical and administrative oversight of the Principle Investigator (PI) technical and/or of investigators in the team. The principal investigator makes assignments in terms of specific research and task objectives, priorities and deadlines, and provides relevant history and information and assists with unusual situations which do not have clear precedent. The individual works closely under the direction of the PI to schedule and conduct work within the framework of project objectives. General instructions are provided as to techniques and methods. The individual is expected to independently identify and execute standard laboratory and administrative tasks within the context of the laboratories' mission without supervision. Individual uses precedent cases and makes modification to specific procedures. Technical deviations or unusual reactions are reported to the PI. Work is reviewed in the context of its completeness, accuracy, adherence to instructions, and maintaining good standards of performance. Performance is evaluated in terms of completeness and accuracy of the completed tasks and ability to anticipate scheduling requirements to conduct the research and coordinate their scheduling and accomplishment with the PI. The methods used in arriving at end results are not reviewed in detail. Additionally the skill and knowledge applied, imagination and initiative displayed, and value of contributions made will be monitored. Research results are expected to be of the quality to be published in well-recognized peer reviewed journals. The research team leader and principle investigator will provide guidelines regarding AFRRI policies and procedures, with which the individual is expected to become knowledgeable. Guidelines include standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the laboratory, oral instructions, equipment manuals, standard texts, and official guidelines such as the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH, January 1996; Department of Health and Human Services); Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, publication number 93-8385 by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health; and treaties relating to restrictions on biological warfare research. New procedures created by the research associates must be in compliance with official policies. Any questions concerning policy should be directed to the research team leader. Guidelines Guidelines are in the form of verbal instructions and standard laboratory operating procedures and equipment manuals. General instructions are provided as to techniques and methods. Guidelines applicable to the work may require additional judgment in their application or modification to accomplish a specific experimental goal. The individual analyzes results and recommends modification of methods and makes comments on development of guidelines for new projects. Based on knowledge and experience, deviates from procedures during experiments. As appropriate, modifications to procedures will be discussed with the PI prior to their execution or afterwards. Complexity Assignments involve long term goals with one or more complex procedures and techniques for experiments requiring manipulation of biological preparation and development of standard procedures. Procedures require sharp observation to adjust for variables in biological samples and wise planning to meet heavy but changing workloads. Scope and Effect Work requires application of specific research protocols. The individual performs segments of broader experiments, and collects and interprets data. The work performed by the individual supplies data that affect the resolution of the principal investigator's project questions and the design and execution of the research and research conclusions. Personal Contacts and Purpose The individual interacts with scientists and technicians in the laboratory and with other departments within and without the Institute. In addition, occasional contacts will be made with service and sales representatives from manufacturing and supply companies. The purpose of contacts is to provide and receive information related to on-going projects; plan experiments; resolve problems encountered in execution of experiments, or other similar exchanges of factual information. Work Environment The individual primarily works in a laboratory or office with good lighting and ventilation. Research will be conducted primarily in the PI's laboratory in the Armed Forces Radiobiology research Institute (AFRRI) and the Department's cell culture facility and the radiation sources (cobalt and reactor) exposure areas at AFRRI. Portions of the project may also be conducted in other laboratories at AFRRI, or in the Washington DC-Baltimore Metropolitan areas such as, but not limited to, those on the NIH campus and at facilities of the Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences both located near AFRRI in Bethesda, MD. A limited amount of travel for brief periods to conduct experiments at additional sites may be necessary. Standard techniques used in molecular biology and bacteriology involve potential hazards, such as working with animals, toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, and potentially infectious agents. The safe handling of these materials is insured by appropriate education and training and appropriate laboratory equipment such as biosafety hoods, gloves and lab coats. The work involves the use of AFRRI's TRIGA nuclear reactor, Linear Accelerator, and Cobalt-60 Facility. Radiation safety SOPs must be strictly followed to avoid unnecessary exposures. POSITION DESCRIPTION - RESEARCH ASSISTANT (CYTOLOGICAL BIODOSIMETRY) Solicitation terms and conditions continued under Amenmdent 0002
- Place of Performance
- Address: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFFRI), 8901 Wisconsin Ave, Bldg 42, Bethesda, MD
- Zip Code: 20889-0527
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 20889-0527
- Record
- SN00659535-W 20040829/040828101921 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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