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

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform work on automation equipment that can handle and process high numbers of samples such as Hamilton STAR and King Fisher liquid handlers. Perform purification of nucleic acids from inactivated viral cultures, animal tissues and human subject blood. Assist with design and performing nucleic acid-based assays for tissue culture and/or animal tissue samples. Perform research in next generation sequencing (NGS) including Illumina (iseq, miniseq, miseq, nextseq 2000 and novaseq 6000), and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (minion and gridion). Will also perform nucleic acid extraction, bioanalysis, and quantitation, conventional PCR and QPCR, manual and automated library preparation including RNAseq and DNAseq, and DNA size selection and fractionation including SAGE ELF and Blue Pippin. Additionally, will perform molecular biology work including cloning, primer design, Gibson Assembly, restriction enzyme digestion, ligation, site directed mutagenesis, in vitro transcription, and reverse transcription. Operate and analyze data collected on Western Blot equipment such as Protein Simple WES, DNA fragmentation using Covaris systems, Real-Time PCR Detection System such as biorad CFX, and quantification and QC of RNA and DNA using nanodrop 8000, Qubit 3.0 Fluorometer, and Agilent 2200 and 4200 tapestation systems. Will maintain mammalian cell cultures including primary and secondary cell lines and cell line cultures in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 as required. Evaluate effects of pathogen infection on host (animal models or in vitro cultures) analyzing gene expression using RNAseq protocols (bulk, targeted, single cell or spatial) to identify deregulated signaling pathways that can lead to novel treatment strategies for infectious diseases. Will also evaluate the pathogen by population genomics and whole genome sequencing. The support animal studies when required by assisting the study personnel to collect and process animal specimens. Analysis may include immunological procedures including Enzyme Linked immunoassay (ELISA), Western blot, Flow Cytometry and RNA/DNA sequencing assays. Train new employees, ensure SOPs are followed, deviations are recorded, and safety procedures are observed. Assist in the preparation of technical reports and manuscripts relating to their research efforts. Present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested. Write and review standard operating procedures (sops), capture forms, and all supporting documentation in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Well-Documented (WD) study regulations as required. Be responsible for assessing and maintaining laboratory supplies. Will inventory supplies and ensure supply orders are coordinated with Division resources. Will ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all regulatory guidance. Communicate to the PI or assigned TPOC experimental data, 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. Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment, specimen and reagent inventories, as well as keep an organized, safe and professional work environment Participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning to include periodically decontaminating the main laboratory areas, benches and biosafety cabinets to reduce possible sources of contamination. Appropriately dispose of waste and packaging material. Serve as a lab manager, responsible for weekly and monthly cleaning and maintenance of the area assigned as required. This includes testing of emergency showers, eye washes and flushing of laboratory drains. The participate in regular instrumentation washes, cleaning and maintenance. Maintain laboratory records, document sample processing, protocol design and usage, and data management that meet current CGS and Institutional requirements and ensure continuity and collective-sharing of resources. May be required to cross-train and provide laboratory technical support to other areas Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

A Master of Science degree is required for this position 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 6 years of relevant expertise in Genomics

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  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. 

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