Molecular Virology Lead Scientist

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

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform research on emerging viruses, in particular viruses in the Bunyavirales Order, in BSL-3 and BSL-4 containment. Research areas include medical countermeasure development, molecular virology, host responses to viral infection, and pathogenesis.
• Contribute to the design and conduct of research projects. Will analyze data elucidating complex mechanism of host-viral interaction for viruses of military importance and report findings.
• Coordinate and collaborate with scientists within the Division and the Institute on in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo studies to evaluate medical countermeasures against infectious diseases. In vivo small animal studies range up to twenty (20) studies per year. Of these, 7-9 being complex, multiple time point studies requiring subsequent assays to understand host response and viral activity. Ex vivo studies average less than five (5) studies per year using innovative technology. Analyze the data from these studies, report the data to the PI and assist in planning next step studies.
• Contribute to the writing of animal protocols for submission and approval by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
• Support animal studies by administering anesthesia and performing phlebotomy, necropsy and treatment on small animals infected with BSL-3 and BSL-4 viruses. Plot data from these studies, report to the PI, and assist in planning next step studies.
• Independently perform and analyze Nanostring assays. Interpret data based on understanding complex cellular signaling pathways and assist in planning and executing confirmatory experiments.
• Independently perform and analyze Luminex-based platform assays. Develop novel assays based on Luminex platform for antigen or antibody detection.
• Perform immunological procedures to characterize antibody responses including, but not limited to, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), Western Blot, flow cytometry, plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and immunohistochemistry (ICH).
• Assist in the preparation of BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 labs for Safety, Bio-surety, CDC, and Department of Army Inspector General inspections.
• Seek funding from DTRA and other funding agencies in collaboration with the Government and USAMRIID to further the research portfolio of the Division and USAMRIID. Assist in the preparation of grants and proposals, submitting a minimum of three proposals for prospective funding opportunities per year to the institute’s portfolio management committee or equivalent for consideration.
• Prepare technical reports describing the status of projects to appropriate funding agencies as defined by the reporting requirements of the department, division and funding sponsor.
• Author manuscripts related to research findings and submit for publication in relevant scientific journals. At least one first author manuscript and 1-2 contributing author manuscript will be submitted each year.
• Present research findings at a scientific conference, if required, which may require CONUS and/or OCONUS travel. Present results in written and oral format publicly and internally.
• Serve as a BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 mentor.
• Provide a PI Technical Report each month.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Minimum of a M.S. or PhD (preferred) degree in Virology or a related field from an accredited college or university.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Requires familiarity with RNA/DNA/protein preparation and standard virologic assays, procedures, and analyses
• Understanding of screening robotics and programming strongly desired.
• Must have 4 years’ specialized training and research.
• Ability to obtain/maintain DoJ Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval
• Must be willing to participate in periodic drug screening.
• Ability to work under BSL-4 conditions. Able to wear respiratory protection.

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• U.S. Citizen
• Must pass NACI background check.
• Must be willing to work in a BSL 3/4 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 

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