Study Support Research Associate

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is looking for a Study Support Research Associate to support our government customer located in Ft Detrick, Maryland.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate a general understanding of the concepts of clinical laboratory analysis such as hematology, clinical chemistry, and coagulation.
• Understands study protocols and processes blood and body fluid specimens accordingly.
• Responsible for accurate and timely recordkeeping, diligently following standards for specimen analysis and SOPs.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using and understanding Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Maintain adequate reagent inventories and common laboratory consumables.
• Maintain laboratory instrumentation by performing QC testing and calibrations in between annual PM’s.
• Participate in general laboratory housekeeping to include biohazard waste management.
• Utilizes problem solving skills to ensure the accuracy of test results and proper equipment performance.
• Operate successfully and independently in a dynamic and rapidly changing laboratory environment. 
• Maintain effective communication skills within our team and other study support teams.
• Routinely work in high containment laboratories.
• Engage in typical studies that entail exposure of laboratory rodents or non-human primates to microbial agents by appropriate routes (e.g. intravenous, intramuscular, or via aerosol) to elucidate an acute disease process or evaluate a therapeutic intervention.
• Engage in longer term studies that include evaluation of candidate vaccines for immunogenicity and protective efficacy as well as evaluation of sequelae following recovery from acute disease. 
• Comply with the NIH Division of Occupational Health and Safety requirement for satisfactory completion of the Biosurety program and Select Agent program.
• Play a role in ensuring that the Biosurety program promotes a security conscious culture.
• Comply with the physical security, protection of the division’s property, protection of information, cyber security, agent protection, control and accountability, safe disposal and waste handling, and personal security guidelines set forth by the division’s Biosurety program.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in biological sciences.
• Must be able to work in a BSL-4 setting

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to obtain/maintain DoJ Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval.
• Must be willing to participate in periodic drug screening
• Must have the ability to obtain/maintain certification in Chemical Personnel Reliability Program and/or Biological Personnel Reliability Program.
• Must have the ability to obtain/maintain CDC Select Agent Program approval.
• Willing to work under BSL-3 - BSL-4 conditions to support specific functions such as Chemistry, Coagulation, Hematology and Microbiology at the Clinical Core lab.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Technologist (MT) certification desired.
• Experience with viral Select Agents is highly desired
• Good Laboratory Practice experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Basic understanding of laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
• Demonstrate interpersonal, oral and written communication, and organizational skills
• Demonstrate ability to ability to work independently, design experiments, and analyze data

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active Secret Clearance required  

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is a fast-growing government service provider. Employees enjoy competitive salaries. Eligible 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 based on 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 here 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 Kapili 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