Senior Therapeutics Discovery Technician

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a Potential need for a Senior Therapeutics Discovery Technician to support our government customer located in Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the planning, development, execution and evaluation of high-throughput screening projects for the antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-toxin therapeutic areas and assist in the development of novel assays/methods for various programs. This includes basic cell culture to support these efforts. Shall assist in screening of molecular compound libraries for therapeutic efficacy to support MCM development.
• Perform both in vitro and in vivo microbiological experiments designed to evaluate therapeutic compounds for antibacterial/antiviral/antitoxin activity. In vitro assays include enzymatic assays, cell-based phenotypic and reporter assays. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and plaque assays. Shall perform standard molecular biology techniques to support development of these assays.
• Support mouse studies when required. Shall assist with inoculations of animals, collecting specimens for processing, and analysis of those specimens. Analysis may include development and conduct of immunological procedures including Enzyme Linked immunoassay (ELISA), Western blot, and Mesoscale Discovery based assays.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts. May be expected to present research findings at 1-2 scientific conference per year as needed and CONUS travel may be required. Shall present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested.
• Responsible for assessing and maintaining laboratory supplies in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories. Shall assess supplies and ensure supply orders are coordinated with Division resources. Shall ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all regulatory guidance.
• Perform operations and training in animal manipulations. Support animal studies (mouse, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.) for funded projects.
• Provide a Research Technical Report NLT the last day of each month.
• Communicate to the Lead/PI unexpected experimental data/results and assist in the troubleshooting or root cause analysis. Communicate any laboratory or other work-related issues. Communicate with internal maintenance or external vendors for technical support and troubleshooting.
• Maintain an orderly laboratory environment in compliance with regulations. Coordinate ordering supplies with division staff. Assist in training new personnel including students and other technicians as needed.
• Participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning. Main laboratory areas, benches and hoods shall be decontaminated periodically to reduce possible sources of contamination. This task also includes proper disposal of waste and packaging material. Testing of emergency showers, eye washers and drainage systems shall be completed IAW applicable USAMRIID SOPs. Participate in regular instrumentation washes, cleaning and maintenance.
• Maintain laboratory records documenting sample processing, protocol design and usage, and data management that meet current CGS and Institutional requirements and ensure continuity and collective sharing of resources. Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment, specimens and reagents inventories, as well as keeping an organized, safe and professional work environment.
• May be required to cross-train and provide laboratory technical support to other areas within the MBD as needed.
• Present research findings/presentations at monthly lab meetings and attend scientific discussion weekly meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, or similar scientific field of study and 5 years of relevant laboratory experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must have a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years' experience planning, developing, executing and evaluating high-throughput screening projects, and developing novel assays/methods.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years' experience within antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-toxin therapeutic areas.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years' experience performing both in vitro and in vivo microbiological experiments
• Must have a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years' experience performing standard molecular biology techniques to support development In vitro assays to include enzymatic assays, cell-based phenotypic and reporter assays, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and plaque assays.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years' experience in the development and conduction of immunological procedures including Enzyme Linked immunoassay (ELISA), Western blot, and Mesoscale Discovery based assays.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years' experience performing Equipment Inventory Management. Experience with GFEBS preferred.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years' experience performing Laboratory Management within BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 environments, to include safety functions and chemical inventory.
• Must have prior experience supporting animal studies (mouse, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.).
• Must be experienced with handling both bacterial and viral pathogens for in vitro and in vivo studies with preferred experience in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 biocontainment labs.

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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