AAT Senior Research Technician

International Executive Service Corps; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a fast-growing government service provider as an AAT Senior Research Technician, where you will play a vital role in supporting medical countermeasure studies against biothreat agents. This position involves generating and characterizing biological aerosols, conducting various assays, and maintaining laboratory protocols in a BSL-2, BSL-3, or BSL-4 environment. You will also have the opportunity to mentor and train team members, ensuring compliance with GLP standards while contributing to innovative research efforts. If you are passionate about science and eager to make a difference, this role offers a rewarding career path with competitive benefits.

Benefits

401K plan with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

11 paid holidays

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant aerosol experience is required.
• Bachelor's degree in biological science is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Generate and characterize biological aerosols for studies.
• Perform assays and clinical pathology evaluations.
• Mentor and train team members in laboratory practices.

Skills

Aerosol experience

Aerosol generating platforms knowledge

Training and mentoring

BSL-2, BSL-3, BSL-4 practices

GLP training and compliance

Animal handling techniques

Assay techniques (ELISA, RT-PCR)

Telemetry Systems experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological science

Tools

Telemetry systems (DSI, Stellar, NOTOCORD)

Aerosol collection devices

Aerodynamic particle sizers

Aerosol nebulizers

Job description

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a Potential need for a AAT Senior Research Technician to support our government customer located in Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD.

DESCRIPTION OF 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. 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. Assist in the preparation of manuscripts or posters relating to their research efforts. If determined by the government, shall present research findings at one scientific conference per year, which may require local or CONUS travel. 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. 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. Demonstrate proficiency in required tasks, and once qualified by AAT leadership, 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. 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.

• 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. 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. 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 AAT Leadership if restricted from containment and provide anticipated length of restriction for scheduling purposes. Coordinate task coverage with contract team members and notify AAT Leadership of updated assignments.

• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a biological science.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Have 7 years of relevant aerosol experience

• Have a working knowledge of aerosol generating platforms and ancillary equipment to include aerodynamic particle sizers, aerosol nebulizers, aerosol collection devices, and various plenums.

• Experience training and mentoring other technical staff.

• BSL-2, BSL-3, and potentially BSL-4 laboratory practices and safety.

• GLP training and compliance.

• Animal handling and experimental techniques.

• Specific assay techniques (ELISA, RT-PCR, etc.).

• Experience with Telemetry Systems: DSI, Stellar and/or NOTOCORD

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• U.S. Citizen

• BPRP and CS-PRP enrollment required.

• Must pass NACI background check.

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 of individuals with disabilities and veterans. We are proud to state that we do not illegally discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of any protected categories. 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.

“EOE, including Disability/Vets” OR “Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans”

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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