Molecular Virologist

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is looking for a qualified Molecular Virologist to support the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at Fort Detrick, Maryland.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently designs, develops, and supervises state-of-the-art in vitro approaches to meet molecular-virology objectives of ongoing research programs involving in vivo, ex vivo, in situ, and in vitro test systems.
• Builds, maintains, and works within a team on collaborator-driven projects; cultivates a constructive and highly productive synergistic teams-within-teams environment.
• Advises contract and Government leadership on important advances in molecular virology theories and practices.
• Introduces state-of-the-art ideas and methods to enhance the molecular-virology capabilities of the IRF.
• Oversees study planning with Study Directors and Collaborators to ensure appropriate molecular virology measurements are included in study plans.
• Manages and coordinates molecular-virology based support for ongoing studies, interfacing with other core activities and personnel as needed. Responsible for personnel scheduling and implementation of study work.
• Provides leadership to Associate Molecular Virology Study Directors.
• Actively solicits mission-relevant collaborations from academia, industry, and/or Government that incorporate modern molecular virology concepts.
• Reviews literature regularly to maintain knowledge of evolving molecular-virology methods, techniques, and scientific and technological advances, in particular pertaining to new-frontier research areas.
• On request, provide recommendations to government and/or contract leadership regarding instrumentation or other gaps that need to be filled to keep the IRF-Frederick competitive.
• Routinely performs assay optimization and robustness characterizations for high-throughput analysis of a wide variety of in vitro studies involving high-consequence pathogens.
• Efficiently plans, executes, and reports scientific activities conducted in accordance with government and leadership directives.
• Actively participates in practices/processes to continuously enhance data quality, integrity, and assurance including periodic development and/or review of study execution methods, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to identify and close gaps and refine procedures in line with top tier journal expectations.
• Develops, implements, and participates in training and cross-training programs to assure continuity of operations and scientific core activities. Complies with the NIH Division of Occupational Health and Safety requirement for satisfactory completion of the Biosurety program and Select Agent program.
• Publishes results in peer-reviewed, ideally high impact, national and international journals.
• Communicates progress or problems with approved programs and projects to IRF-Frederick contract and government leadership in the form of oral and written progress reports.
• 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 by Supervisor.

DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT:

• Minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Molecular Virology or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) years of specialized training and research experience in molecular virology.
• Strong background in assay development and optimization.
• At least two (2) years current experience working in a BSL-3 or BSL-4 laboratory, with BSL-4 experience preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency in areas such as reverse genetics and genomics, organs/organoids-on-a-chip, mechanism of action, viral life cycle surrogate systems (viral pseudotyping, VLPs, minigenome and budding systems), protein-protein interactions, gene knock in/knock out, and enzymatic assays.  
• Demonstrated track record of leading scientists and technical support staff.
• Strong publication record.
• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.  
• Must be able to obtain/maintain DoJ Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval.
• Must be willing to be immunized with licensed and FDA-approved Investigational New Drugs (IND) recommended for persons at risk to occupational exposure of biological agents.
• 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.
• Must be willing to work under BSL-2, BSL-3, and in particular BSL-4 conditions. Able to wear respiratory protection.
• Ability to work independently, design experiments, and analyze, summarize, and present data.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with viral Select Agents is desired but not required.
• Experience with models of viral infectious diseases.
• Basic understanding of laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Interpersonal, oral and written communication, and organizational skills.

CITIZENSHIP/SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• A Tier 3 security clearance is 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 of individuals with disabilities and veterans. 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 www.alakainafoundation.com

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