Bacterial Core Lead Scientist

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a Potential need for a Bacterial Core Lead Scientist to support our government customer located in Frederick, MD at Fort Detrick. 

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Use computer to analyze data and prepare graphs, do statistics, write lab notes and reports.
• Complete quarterly reports and annual progress reports per investigator
• Present 2 research findings/presentations at lab meetings and approximately 23 lab meetings per year, and if required, attend approximately 2 scientific meetings or symposia (CONUS or OCONUS).
• Attend 12 division meetings per year and give 1 presentation per investigator
• Prepare one 1st author manuscript for publication per year
• Prepare approximately 2 supporting author scientific papers for publication.
• In charge of maintenance of ~6 microscope systems in laboratories.
• Responsible for ordering microscopy systems and parts.
• Prepare BSL-2 and BSL-3 labs for safety, bio-surety and CDC inspections.
• Plan and perform in vitro minimum inhibition concentration (mic) testing or potential therapeutic compounds against tier 1 bacteria. We currently utilize 30-strain diversity sets of bacillus anthracis (anthrax), yersinia pestis (plague), francisella tularensis (tularemia), burkholderia mallei (glanders), and burkholderia pseudomallei (meliodosis), testing over 72 compounds per year against all 30 strains, in vitro.
• Plan and participate in mouse, rat, and rabbit studies, which include preparation of antibiotics for administration, administering drugs and vaccines, orally and by intraperitoneal, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous administration. In addition, collect animal body fluids and remove tissues with all small-animal studies executed. Upon execution of experiment all contractors will perform animal health exams to ensure study remains in compliance with IACUC approved protocols.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and assist in development and design with current and future in vitro and in vivo work. May be requested to present posters at 1 scientific conferences which may require work to be performed outside normal business hours.
• Plan and participate in small-animal BSL-2 pharmacokinetics and toxicology studies; to include preparation of antibiotics for administration; administering drugs and vaccines, followed by blood and tissue collection of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics relationships and efficacy of optimized leads.
• Support the in vivo pharmacology research program and contribute to the multidisciplinary research team to determine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics relationships and efficacy of optimized leads.
•  Assist in animal protocols working with bacterial pathogens.
• Participate in testing and purifying b. Anthracis components for efficacy studies.
• Write, plan and execute animal protocol.
• Perform ELISAs.
• Process flow cytometry samples
• Test for endotoxin and perform endotoxin remediation when necessary.
• Purify bacterial products from culture supernatants per year.
• Conduct equipment inventory management twice a year in BSL-2 and BSL-3
• Perform monthly laboratory management to include safety functions and chemical inventory.
• Provide 1 scientific support monthly report to include materials and methods, data and data analysis and should be updated monthly.
• Maintain a GLP training folder and be compliant with all GLP regulations when applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Masters Degree in a biological or life science and 7 years of experience (preferred)
• Bachelor's degree and 5 years’ experience 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS).
• Experience in animal manipulations. 
• Experience with in vitro antibiotic susceptibility assay systems and be able to perform pharmacokinetic (PK) determinations on antibiotics from various animal species.
• Possess knowledge of animal study design, including developing therapeutic treatment plans, dosing schedule, number of animals required, supplies required, and facilities needed if given a desired study endpoint. Possess some basic knowledge of animal physiology and be able to predict if client requested treatment protocols are viable.
• Be familiar with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectroscopy (MS), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and other antibiotic determination methods from animal serum and tissues. 
• Have experience in operating an HPLC/Mass Spec instrument, to include development of qualitative and quantitative assays for various antibiotic classes.
• Be able to prepare biological samples for assay of antibiotics and be able to prepare reagents and solvents for HPLC separations.

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• U.S. Citizen
• Must pass NACI background check.
• Must be willing to work in a BSL 3 laboratory.
• Must be eligible to enroll in the BPRP and CS-PRP programs.

​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 on the basis of 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

#LI-JS1

#ClearanceJobs