The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a potential need for a Principal Investigator for Medical Readiness Systems Biology to support our government customer located in Silver Spring, MD.

MRSB is a disease-agnostic program that utilizes high-throughput, multi-omics platforms supported by a suite of cutting edge, targeted assay tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven analytical capabilities to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that generate a knowledge base about biological mechanisms and personalized care. The MRSB is committed to developing a seamless, integrative module enabling to interrogate genome-to-phenome landscape to inform medical interventions and develop products to improve Warfighter health, performance, resilience, and readiness.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in research and development activities.
• Utilizes established mathematical and scientific techniques to compile and analyze data.
• Writes technical reports detailing procedures, outcomes, and observations.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment.
• Focused on research and development of solutions that address capability gaps existing at all levels of care.
• Identify and characterize biomarkers to assist in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic choices for fifteen different projects to include:
  • PTSD clinical and pre-clinical systems research
  • Systems biology of coagulopathy research
  • Polytrauma research
  • Pain management research
  • Musculoskeletal issues research
  • Wound healing research
  • Thermal injury
  • Open-air burn pit smoke exposure research
  • Radiation research
  • Malaria research
  • Hemorrhagic shock research
  • Infectious diseases research
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) research
  • Multiple stressors and animal model nutritional intervention
  • Sepsis research
• In addition to identification of biomarkers, perform molecular analysis after multiple interventions.
• Research is designed to determine differential expression through Transcriptomic analysis such as Microarrays/next generation sequencing, epigenetic analysis including DNA methylation and miRNA analysis, high throughput proteomics, exome Sequencing, whole genome arrays, and using tools such as R programming, Bioconductor, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and Genespring.
• Use Western blot/ELISA, molecular and system biology techniques, nucleic acid and protein extractions with quality check, PCR, microbiome, metabolomics, pyrosequencing, statistics and data analysis and visualizations.
• Gather and analyze data resulting from the collaborative research to be used for identifying disease protein profiles and biochemical and metabolic changes to complete the clinical characterization, as well as metagenomics/ microbiome sequencing.
• Identify the interrelated networks and pathways, as well as characterize the molecular signatures of PTSD disease progression / disease state and candidate biomarkers.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's (or Master's degree preferred) in Behavioral Biology, or other related concentration.
• Certification or Formal Training in tools such as R programming, Bioconductor, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and Genespring.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Direct experience with Western blot/ELISA, molecular and system biology techniques, nucleic acid and protein extractions with quality check, PCR, microbiome, metabolomics, pyrosequencing, statistics and data analysis and visualizations.
• Must have knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within this particular field.
• Must be proficient with statistical analyses.

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• Must be U.S. Citizen.
• Must hold a minimum Tier II/Secret DoD Clearance level.

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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. We are proud to state that we do not discriminate in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. 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.

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, Kūpono Government Services, and Kāpili Services, Po`okela Solutions, Kīkaha 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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