AAT Senior Research Technician

Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 57,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an AAT Senior Research Technician to support critical research in a laboratory environment. This role involves conducting aerosol exposures, executing scientific studies, and collaborating with a team to develop medical countermeasures against biological threats. The technician will work in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 labs, maintaining equipment and ensuring compliance with safety standards. If you have a passion for research and a strong background in laboratory techniques, this is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to vital public health initiatives while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k with Match

Life and ADD Coverage

Short and Long Term Disability

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Education Assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in relevant field with Bachelor's degree.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aerosol exposures and execute research protocols as directed.
• Generate and characterize biological aerosols for studies.

Skills

Aerosol Generation

Data Collection

Laboratory Techniques

Technical Writing

Equipment Maintenance

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Ph.D.

Tools

Aerodynamic Particle Sizers

Aerosol Nebulizers

Telemetry Systems

Job description

Title: AAT Senior Research Technician

Location: Frederick, MD

Status: Full Time

Travel: >10%

Salary Range: $57,650 - $93,100

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 AAT Senior Research Technician shall provide laboratory support by assisting in the performance of aerosol exposures and execution of research protocols as directed by AAT Leadership. The Contractor shall execute scientific studies, assist with data collection/entry, maintain AAT laboratory space and equipment, and train/mentor other technical staff. The Contractor shall work in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories with controlled substances.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Generate, characterize and sample biological aerosols to support pathogenesis and medical countermeasure studies against biothreat agents. This shall include animal plethysmography, aerosol supervision and assisting, bacterial and viral assaying, and decontaminations. Workload is approximately 75-120 aerosol exposures per year.
• Investigate independently, and in collaboration with others, events during the phases of infection in representative laboratory animals prior to and following agent exposure. Support all logistical and technical aspects of AAT supported animal protocols including but not limited to preparation of sample tubes, required supplies, and associated paperwork. Contractor shall enter studies in the AAT Scheduling program to capture all required study activities as required.
• Complete all study activities as assigned in the AAT Scheduling program. Follow study protocol and schedule to complete study activities as assigned to include but not limited to sample processing, aliquoting, sample inactivation and sample inventory management. Studies shall be conducted in a BSL-2, BSL-3, or BSL-4 laboratory environment. Workload is up to 20 protocols per year.
• Perform assays to include viral and bacterial stock characterization, plating assays, ELISA, RT-PCR, microarray, cytokine analysis, and applicable in vitro sample analysis assays as required by approved in vivo and in vitro protocols.
• Perform clinical pathology evaluation to include but not limited to hematology, clinical chemistry, urine, fecal and coagulation analysis in support of approved animal protocols and NHP colony management operations.
• Assist with entering of study data into appropriate formats and the development of charts and graphs as required. Contractor shall assist in the preparation of manuscripts or posters relating to their research efforts. If determined by the government, the Contractor shall present research findings at one scientific conference per year, which may require local or CONUS travel. Contractor shall present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested.
• Maintain AAT laboratory space and equipment. Record and document all equipment maintenance IAW USAMRIID SOPs and in compliance with GLP standards. Replenish supplies and promptly notify AAT leadership when supplies are low. Obtain and provide equipment and supply quotes as requested.
• Mentor and train team members IAW USAMRIID SOPs and applicable regulations and guidance as assigned.
• Write, revise and peer review SOPs to meet GLP requirements and assist in the generation of SOP risk assessments. Contractor shall appropriately respond to regulatory audits and CAPAs within the required timelines. Workload is typically ten (10) to fifteen (15) SOPs and five (5) to fifteen (15) CAPAs per year.
• Coordinate and collaborate with AAT leadership and personnel to assist in the development and continuation of the AAT technical training program. Contractor shall demonstrate proficiency in required tasks, and once qualified by AAT leadership, Contractor shall assist in the training of other technical staff as assigned.
• Independently assemble, calibrate, and test telemetry systems (e.g., DSI, Stellar and NOTOCORD); troubleshoot electronic and software communication issues, and independently perform telemetry support for animal studies in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 biocontainment laboratory environments. Workload is approximately twenty (20) research studies per year.
• Operate and maintain the telemetry systems in a validated state for use in GLP animal studies and assist in the maintenance and validation of telemetry equipment as needed. Contractor shall maintain an inventory of all telemetry system components to include hardware and software as needed. Workload is approximately fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) validated systems per year.
• Maintain a safe and secure storage and backup of all original data files; tabulate and analyze telemetry data and provide results to Telemetry Support SME for review.
• Be trained in GLP and maintain records at that standard IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs.
• Assist in the coordination and collaboration with scientists and technical staff within the Institute to provide telemetry services to include assisting in the training of study personnel on basic telemetry functions and data review.
• Complete required training as assigned in RIID-Train and by AAT Leadership. Contractor shall maintain training records IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs.
• Perform weekly/monthly details of Building 1412 BSL-3 change rooms, showers, and assigned containment areas. Details include cleaning, restocking, proper disposal of expired materials, and ensuring equipment and safety requirements are completed and documented IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs. Contractor shall provide completed record of weekly details to AAT Leadership by the end of each week.
• Perform weekly/monthly details of Building 1412 BSL-2 assigned laboratories. Details include cleaning, restocking, proper disposal of expired materials, and ensuring equipment and safety requirements are completed and documented IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs.
• Timely report observations of safety or standard operating procedure non-compliance IAW applicable USAMRIID SOPs, guidance and regulations.
• Provide technical support to animal protocols as needed by performing animal observations, physicals, sample collection, euthanasia, and tissue collection as required. Successful completion of animal specific training is required and provided by qualified Veterinary Medicine Division staff. All laboratory tasks shall be conducted under the guidance of a study PI and under the authority of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and in compliance with GLP standards. Studies shall be conducted in a BSL-2, BSL-3, or BSL-4 laboratory environment. Support requirements are as needed, and typically provide backfill support to veterinary technicians and study personnel during periods of high-volume activities.
• Promptly notify TPOC and AAT Leadership if restricted from containment and provide anticipated length of restriction for scheduling purposes. Contractor shall coordinate task coverage with contract team members and notify AAT Leadership of updated assignments.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of experience, Master's degree with 3-5 years of experience, or Ph.D. with 1-3 years of experience in a relevant field.
• 7 years of relevant aerosol experience.
• Working knowledge of aerosol generating platforms and ancillary equipment to include aerodynamic particle sizers, aerosol nebulizers, aerosol collection devices, and various plenums.
• U.S. Citizen
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret clearance.
• Active Secret clearance preferred.
• 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, veteran's status or any other legal protected status.

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

The salary range for this position is based on several factors, including relevant experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.