Molecular Virology Lead Technical Support

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a Potential need for a Molecular Virology Lead Technical Support support our government customer located in Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a BSL-3 and BSL-4 mentor.
• Coordinate and collaborate with scientists within the Division and the Institute on in vivo and in vitro studies to evaluate medical countermeasures against infectious diseases. Support approximately 10 small animal studies in BSL-2, -3, and -4 laboratories, by autonomously running downstream analysis including assessment of viral replication (plaque assay and RT-qPCR), transcriptomic analysis (spatial, single cell and/or bulk), blood chemistry, viral antigen and/or antiviral antibody detection using in-house Luminex assays or ELISAs, determine cytokine and chemokines levels. Aassist with review, organization and analysis of study data. Study data shall be reported to the PI as required.
• Use cell culture techniques to perform in vitro testing of candidate vaccines and therapeutic compounds against a variety of viruses. Culture and maintain microphysiological systems, including organ tissue equivalents, organs-on-a-chip and/or organoid systems for in vitro studies.
• Assist in planning, managing, and executing complex in vitro studies using organ tissue equivalents, organs-on-a-chip and/or organoid systems to study viral pathogenesis, replication and evaluate medical countermeasure efficacy. Review, organize, and analyze study data and report the results to the PI.
• Design and perform basic and specialized molecular biology techniques including but not limited to: PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA preparations and purification, cloning, transformations, fluorescence in-situ Hybridization (FISH), flow cytometry, Western blot, IFAs, high content imaging, plaque assays, PRNTs, and other molecular biology techniques and other assays to support ongoing projects.
• Perform basic cell culture. Oversee cryopreservation and thawing of cell lines. Transfect cells to conduct protein and antibody purification. Produce and characterize viral stocks.
• Present protocols and data generated at weekly virology meetings as required.
• Assess and maintain laboratory supplies in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories. Shall assess supplies and ensure supplies are ordered or shall order supplies using GFEBS and/or DMLSS ordering system.
• Perform technical literature searches and assists in the preparation of at least one proposal, at least one technical report, and one peer-reviewed manuscript for publication each year. Contractor May be required to present work at approximately one Scientific Meeting per year which may require CONUS or OCONUS travel.
• Responsible for the accountability, management, safeguard, and storage of BSAT, animal tissue samples, and working stock samples. Ensure current records are maintained and communicated to the FSAP-registered PI as required.
• Assist with annual conduct of Equipment Inventory Management in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4.
• Provide a PI Technical Report NLT the last working day of each month.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Master's degree with at least five years of related laboratory post-degree experience in biomedical Science, microbiology, or virology.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must have three (3) to five (5) years' experience as BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 lab supervisor and mentor.
• Must have three (3) to five (5) years' experience as supporting BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory inspections conducted by the Risk Management Office, Bio-surety, CDC, and/or the Department of Army Inspector General.
• Must have three (3) to five (5) years' experience evaluating viral vaccines for immunogenicity by measuring cellular/humoral immune responses using ELISA, flow cytometry and other immunological techniques.
• Must have three (3) to five (5) years' experience with basic and specialized molecular biology techniques including but not limited to: PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA preparations and purification, cloning, transformations, fluorescence in-situ Hybridization (FISH), flow cytometry, Western blot, IFAs, high content imaging, plaque assays, PRNTs, and other molecular biology techniques and other assays to support ongoing projects.
• Must have three (3) to five (5) years' experience performing Equipment Inventory Management. Experience with GFEBS and/or DMLSS ordering system preferred.
• Must have three (3) to five (5) years' experience performing Laboratory Management within BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 environments, to include safety functions and chemical inventory.

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• U.S. Citizen
• BPRP and CS-PRP enrollment required.
• Must pass NACI background check.

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is a fast-growing government service provider. Employees enjoy competitive salaries. Eligible full-time employees enjoy a 401K plan with company match; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; and 11 paid holidays.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer of individuals with disabilities and veterans. We are proud to state that we do not illegally discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of any protected categories. If you are a person with a disability and you need an accommodation during the application process, please click here to request accommodation. We E-Verify all employees

"EOE, including Disability/Vets" OR "Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans"

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is comprised of industry-recognized government service firms designated as Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO)-owned and 8(a) certified businesses. The Family of Companies (FOCs) includes Ke`aki Technologies, Laulima Government Solutions, Kpono Government Services, and Kpili Services, Po`okela Solutions, Kkaha Solutions, LLC, and Pololei Solutions, LLC. Alaka`ina Foundation activities principally benefit the youth of Hawaii through charitable efforts which includes providing innovative educational programs that combine leadership, science & technology, and environmental stewardship.

For additional information, please visit www.alakainafoundation.com

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