Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation, LLC
Molecular Biology Lead Technician
Closing Date: Until Filled
Department: Midnight Sun Professional Solutions
Location: Frederick, MD, USA
Employment Type: Full Time
Title: Molecular Biology Lead Technician
Location: Frederick, MD
Status: Full Time
Travel: 10%
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 Automation And Assay Research Scientist shall provide Robotic Liquid Handling Automation support for research efforts of the TDC. Support will be required mainly in BSL-2 environment with subsequent potential support in BSL-3, and BSL-4 environments. Scientist will conduct basic and applied research on current and emerging threats in support of the BD and infectious disease program. They shall aid in the execution of scientific studies-throughput screening assays, enzymatic assays, collection/data analysis, maintain the laboratory and respective laboratory equipment. This position is contingent upon contract award.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- 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). 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, 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. 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 the effects of pathogen infection on the 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. Evaluate the pathogen by population genomics and whole genome sequencing.
- 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, record deviations, and observe safety procedures.
- 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. Inventory supplies and ensure supply orders are coordinated with Division resources. 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. 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.
- Ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all regulatory guidance. Participate in regular laboratory decontamination and cleaning. Main laboratory areas, benches and hoods shall be decontaminated periodically to reduce possible sources of contamination. This task also includes proper disposal of waste and packaging material. Testing of emergency showers, eye washes and drainage systems shall be completed IAW applicable USAMRIID SOPs. The contractor shall participate in regular instrumentation washes, cleaning and maintenance. 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 at USAMRIID.
- May be required to cross-train and provide laboratory technical support to other areas within the Molecular Biology Division as needed.
- May be required to present work, attend meetings and training, and in collaboration with the government, engage with partners to support the biosurveillance and training missions which may require CONUS or OCONUS travel approximately 1-2 times per year.
- BPRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.
- Provide laboratory support for research efforts within the Center for Genome Sciences in the Molecular Biology Division.
Minimum Requirements:
- Possess a Masters of Science degree and/or a minimum of 6 years of relevant expertise in Genomics.
- Experience conducting basic and applied research on current and emerging threats in support of the biodefense and infectious disease program.
- Experience aiding in the execution of scientific studies including extraction of nucleic acids from different biological matrices, quantification and quality of RNA and DNA, PCR amplification, sequencing library preparation and quantification, high-throughput screening assays and/or high-throughput sequencing on infectious agents.
- Experience supporting the processing of tissues from animals, data analysis and maintaining laboratory areas and equipment.
- Experience providing supervisory support to junior contract personnel, train new personnel, and perform routine laboratory safety inspections for assigned areas.
- 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:
Physical Demands:
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.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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