Genomic Characterization Scientist

Title: Genomic Characterization Scientist

Location: On site, Frederick, MD

Status: Full Time

Travel: Negligible

Safety Sensitive: No

Salary Range: $70,000-$105,000

Position Summary:

USAMRIID, located at Fort Detrick, Maryland, works closely with other U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) organizations, Department of Defense (DoD), the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health. This includes conducting Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation (RDTE) of medical countermeasure against biological threats and the safety, quality assurance, project management, and core support required for these research activities.

The Molecular Biology Division works to combat biological threats and weapons of mass destruction by developing high-throughput sequencing and protein profiling to identify emerging pathogens. It also evaluates and improves medical countermeasures, follows the DoD's roadmap for their development, and ensures their ethical use, including FDA approval. The Division also explores expanding indications and combinations with existing countermeasures.

The Genomic Characterization Scientist provides laboratory and scientific support within the Center for Genome Sciences (CGS) to cover CGS Genomic Characterization capabilities. The Contractor shall conduct research investigations centered on Molecular Biology, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Immunology, Genetics, and/or Biochemistry or similar field. They will perform laboratory experiments/protocols directed by CGS PIs and Supervisors.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• To perform molecular protocols and technologies to identify microbiological pathogens, characterize pathogenesis mechanisms of BSATs and study the host immune
• To provide expertise in epitope mapping on polyclonal humoral responses to pathogen using phage domain programmable arrays, B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire characterization in vaccinated or infected animals or human subjects, and advanced Immunological
• Development and improvement of animal model important for BSATs. Characterization of animal species genomic background (e.g. MHC expression), development and species specific reagents, and comparative genomic to evaluate the model compared with humans. Generation of agnostic tools to evaluate the animal model and human samples with the same
• To prepare or contribute to technical reports and manuscripts for publication, publicly present data upon request at an average of one conferences per year. Assist in the establishment of extramural collaborations and contracts to augment the research program he or she supports. The Contractor must show understanding of the progress toward publication as outlined by the TPOC/COR to include their efforts to obtain and format data and research methods, within a reasonable timeframe suitable for that research project and given support. A Lab Progress Report should be submitted monthly. An acceptable alternative format than publication outlines is contribution to Quarterly Reports to funding agencies. The Contractor shall update Lab Data weekly in a shared continuity folder for all publications/Quarterly Reports that includes all supporting data or directories where data is stored (raw and processed data and sample processing records).
• To oversee the technical work of supporting personnel assigned to the research programs. Specifically to train and ensure SOPs, sample and analytical workflows are followed, tracked, and documented by supporting personnel. Data records are maintained in a current status within reasonable timeframe after sample and analytic processing. Lab Data Records and SOPs are updated upon change with a full description of the change and signature of the PI. Lab SOPs are reviewed and signed semi-annually IAW CGS
• To 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. Communicate to the PI or assigned supervisor(s) experimental data, laboratory issues or other work- related issues. Workflows and SOPs shall be reviewed and signed IAW CGS policy on a semi-annual basis or as determined by CGS before being
• To 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. Communicate to the PI or assigned supervisor(s) experimental data, laboratory issues or other work- related issues. Workflows and SOPs shall be reviewed and signed IAW CGS policy on a semi-annual basis or as determined by CGS before being implemented. Contractor shall assist in maintaining laboratory equipment, specimens and reagents inventories, as well as keeping an organized, safe and professional work
• Under special circumstances, the contactor may require variable work schedules (second shift) and occasional weekends in order to accomplish time sensitive laboratory tasks
• Participate in all activities pertinent to lab performance and safety, including weekly lab clean up to avoid contaminations, be primary, secondary or tertiary point of contact for equipment and/or laboratory spaces (POC will be contacted by phone during emergencies, such as alarms or lost of power, and need to respond according to emergency plan for the CGS). Contact commercial company and/or USAMRIID medical maintenance, Clinical Engineering (CEB) when an instrument is malfunctioning or needs periodical PM, and escort engineers during the scheduled visit(s) at USAMRIID. Ensure reagents in the lab are not expired and ordered periodically to avoid shortage in reagents and stops in processes. Maintain reagent, sample, and intermediary processes products inventory updated and stored in the designated areas, following biosafety guidance's and CGS protocols. Receive and appropriately storage reagents and samples delivered to the

Minimum Requirements:

• Masters Degree in a relevant field, PhD. Preferred
• Experience in BSL-2/3 laboratory
• experience with identifying and characterizing microbiological pathogens
• Experience and comfort with animal experiments
• Must pass NACI background check.
• Must be eligible to enroll in the BPRP and CS-PRP Programs
• Active BPRP and/or CS-PRP status preferred

Work Environment:

• Laboratory environment

Physical Demands:

• May lift up to 25lbs

Benefits:

KIC offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees including: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401k with Match, Life and ADD Coverage, Short and Long Term Disability, Paid Time Off and Holidays, Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Discount Program, and more!

Apply online at our website: https://kikiktagruk.applicantpool.com/

Disclaimer:

This is not to be an exclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the person in this job. KIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIC considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, family responsibility, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran's status, gender identity, or any other legal protected status.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here (http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm).

Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation, may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to KIC Shareholders, and their Descendants.

Successful candidate must pass, comply, and adhere to KIC's Drug and Alcohol policy/testing requirements and may be required to pass a background and/or Motor Vehicle Records check.

Salary : $70,000 - $105,000