Immunology Research Associate with Security Clearance

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Job description

The Alaka ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is looking for an Immunology Research Assoicate to support our government customer located in Ft. Detrick, Maryland . DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs in-life and post-life immunological assays including high parameter (16-35+ colors) immunophenotyping/intracellular cytokine staining flow cytometry and analysis, FACS, Luminex cytokine profiling and analysis, magnetic bead enrichments for population analysis, ELISpot, and ELISAs. Work may involve duties related to routine performance of assay optimization and ruggedization for analysis of a wide variety of in vivo and in vitro studies involving high-consequence pathogens. Implements study/project request process utilizing standardized study proposal templates. As directed, efficiently plan, execute, and report scientific activities to the Immunologist(s) and additional scientific staff as necessary. Generates high quality interim and final study reports and develop them for timely publication in peer reviewed journals. Performs regular maintenance and laboratory operations within both BSL-2 and BSL-4 laboratories, equipment quality controls, media preparations, routine cleaning, and hazardous waste management. Actively performs administrative duties, including periodic organization, laboratory inventories and ordering laboratory supplies. Performs regular activities to support on-going scientific studies including drafting and preparing paperwork, reagent preparation and aliquoting, preparation of flow cytometry master mixes and reagents. Actively participates in practices/processes to enhance data quality and integrity including periodic review of study execution to identify gaps and refine procedures. Participates in training and cross-training programs to assure continuity of operations and scientific core activities. Develops and revises Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and methods for laboratory operations. Comply with the NIH Division of Occupational Health and Safety requirement for satisfactory completion of the Biosurety program and Select Agent program. Plays a role in ensuring that the Biosurety program promotes a security conscious culture. Complies 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 of Science or higher degree. Microbiology, Virology, Immunology degree preferred or similar. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Demonstrates robust interpersonal, oral, and written communication, and organizational skills. Two or more years' experience in conducting immunological assays including immunophenotyping/flow cytometry on a diverse assortment of primary immune cells, FACS, Luminex cytokine profiling and analysis, magnetic bead enrichments for population analysis, ELISpot, and ELISAs. Must be able to work in a BSL-4 setting with select agents. Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and GraphPad Prism. Experience with models of viral infectious diseases. Ability to work both independently and within small and large team settings. Ability to organize, analyze, summarize, and perform quality check of data. Ability to be flexible regarding occasional schedule changes due to in-life study support work. Must be willing to participate in periodic drug screening. Must have the ability to obtain/maintain certification in Biological Personnel Reliability Program. Must have the ability to obtain/maintain CDC Select Agent Program approval. DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Desire to learn and implement a diverse set of skills and techniques related to immunological assays. Two (2) or more years of recent experience conducting laboratory assessments in BSL-3 or BSL-4 laboratory setting. Proficiency in Cytek SpectroFlo. Proficiency in flow cytometry data analysis, including FlowJo, FCS Express, OMIQ, or FlowSOM. Experience with isolation of primary cells from tissues. Cell culture and sterile technique experience. Experience in virological assays including PRNT, and TCID50. Experience with viral Select Agents is highly desired. Background in assay development and optimization. Basic understanding of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) Familiarity with optical imaging modalities including in vivo fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging. Experience with super-resolution microscopy modalities including dSTORM, and PALM. REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Ability to obtain/maintain DoJ Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval. Biosurity Acknowledgement Active Secret T3 Clearance 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 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 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

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