Systems Biology Laboratory

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a potential need for a Systems Biology Laboratory Support to support our government customer located in Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD.

• Perform sample preparation on a variety of matrices that may include inactivated cells, tissues, viral particles, biofluids, or other matrices. Sample preparations may include purification, homogenization, dialysis, buffer exchanges, dilutions, concentrations, precipitations, extractions, washes, molecular labeling, enzymatic digestion, or others.
• Develop and perform liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods for the detection and characterization of proteins, peptides, metabolites, or other small molecules. Perform SDS-PAGE experiments to separate and assess proteins, nucleic acids, or other biological macromolecules.
• Develop and perform data analysis workflows. Data analysis will include identification and quantification of peptide sequences, proteins, and small molecules using various commercial and customizable databases. Data analysis will also include identification and localization of post-translational modifications and statistical comparison of relative analyte abundance between two or more samples.
• Ensure research methods, standard operating procedures, and data records are maintained at the workplace within a reasonable timeframe after sample and analytic processing. Maintain a database inventory of all samples received.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and assist in development and design of current and future work, as applicable. Perform laboratory experiments/protocols directed by the Proteomics Branch PI or assigned supervisor(s). Assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to research efforts. May be requested to present posters at one scientific conference, which may require work outside normal business hours.
• Maintain an orderly laboratory environment in compliance with regulations. Conduct Equipment Inventory Management twice a year. Perform monthly laboratory management to include safety functions and chemical/supplies inventory. Coordinate ordering of supplies with division staff. Assist in training new personnel including students and other technicians.
• Communicate to the PI or assigned supervisor(s) experimental data, laboratory, or other work-related issues. Communicate with internal maintenance or external vendors for technical support and troubleshooting.
• Prepare and provide a Functional Capabilities Laboratory Support Progress Report no later than the last working day of each month.
• Ensure 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 contamination sources. This task also includes proper disposal of waste and packaging material. Test emergency showers, eye washes, and drainage systems in accordance with applicable USAMRIID SOPs. 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 periodic PM, and escort engineers during scheduled visits at USAMRIID.
• May be required to present work, attend meetings and training, and collaborate with the government to support biosurveillance and training missions, which may require CONUS or OCONUS travel approximately 1–2 times per year.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Minimum of Associate’s Degree in Biomedical/Biological Science related field of study or equivalent training and/or experience.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Must have experience with and performing a variety of matrices that may include inactivated cells, tissues, viral particles, biofluids, or other matrices.
• Must have direct experience with performing preparations such as purification, homogenization, dialysis, buffer exchanges, dilutions, concentrations, precipitations, extractions, washes, molecular labeling, and enzymatic digestion.
• Must be able to develop and perform liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods for the detection and characterization of proteins, peptides, metabolites, or other small molecules.
• Previous experience performing SDS-PAGE experiments to separate and assess proteins, nucleic acids, or other biological macromolecules.
• Must have a minimum of one (1) year experience performing Equipment Inventory Management. Experience with GFEBS preferred.
• Must have a minimum of one (1) year experience performing Laboratory Management within BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments, to include safety functions and chemical inventory.

• U.S. Citizen
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid U.S. Passport
• Must pass NACI background check.

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