Scientific Writer jobs in Orlando, FL

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a potential need for top talent to provide Technical and Professional Science support for a national customer in conducting services under their branches relating to arbor viral, bacterial, dengue, and Rickettsial Zoonoses. Each branch is located in Colorado, Puerto Rico, and Georgia. Positions vary in levels.

When applying, please indicate in a cover letter the position of interest as well as your related experience.

POSITIONS/DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Biologist - Performs specified portions scientific work involving studies of the functions, environmental response, biological activities, and/or processes of humans and animals, and their component parts. Performs non-research biological science work or biological science support work in various scientific and public health areas associated with numerous biological agents. May design, oversee, implement, and conduct biological scientific surveys/studies or projects to identify and solve problems. The Biologist: Performs recurring, well-precedented standard techniques to identify and characterize biological and/or other agents that cause a number of diseases. Performs and monitors the full range of specialized tests and non-routine procedures for which there are standard methods and techniques. Ensures proper collection of data and conducts experiments and studies, making adjustments in methods and procedures as appropriate during the course of the studies or experiments. Ensures that incoming specimens are processed and triaged maintaining "chain-of-custody." Prepares routine reports on scientific investigations, studies and projects and responds to questions for inclusion in a comprehensive report on study finding. Applies knowledge of the technical rules and procedures to document and prepare analyses and reports of findings for tests and studies. Acquires and organizes materials and information to carry out study procedures for assigned projects. Experiments involve the full range of methods, procedures, techniques, and activities routinely carried out in the scientific area. The scientist has responsibility for ensuring that assigned phases or segments of the work are performed. Calibrates and operates laboratory instruments that are necessary to perform specialized tests, analyses and other standard procedures in conducting experiments and studies. Performs experiments in accordance with standard methods and techniques in compliance with Quality Management Standards (QMS) established for CDC laboratories. Periodically evaluates progress of the experiment to determine whether data generated are accurate and valid. Compares results with those obtained in previous experiments and/or identifies unusual or unexpected results and their probable causes. Repeats experiments or modifies the conditions when necessary. Participate in training for use of laboratory equipment and adherence to and QMS standards, safety, select agent, and facility security requirements
• Microbiologists - Provides technical and logistic support in a laboratory setting. This position typically requires a BS/BA or a MS in Biologics, Microbiology, or related discipline. Perform testing of clinical and non-clinical specimens including following procedures for testing of samples and reporting results into laboratory information management systems. Provide support for laboratory activities as required in the following areas: maintenance of cell cultures, design and implementation of assays, implementation of quality control plans, design and testing of new or modified protocols, analysis of laboratory data, maintaining stocks of supplies, maintaining laboratory equipment, and preparation of summary reports. Performs all duties in compliance with local and federal quality systems and provide documentation of daily work with good laboratory practice compliance. Adheres to all safety requirements including providing proof of vaccinations required for entry into the laboratory. Developing and maintaining laboratory records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and job aides in a manner consistent with the lab's document control system. Maintenance of laboratory equipment and monitoring of consumable supplies and reagents. Comply with CLIA regulations and maintain assigned laboratory areas, equipment and protocols in compliance with local and federal requirements for quality, safety and security. Performing laboratory activities in support of the diagnostic testing assays including maintenance of cell culture, validation of control serum samples, preparation of viral stocks, preparation of specialty reagents and buffers, data and records management, and other routine laboratory work. Develop and test novel strategies to measure neutralizing antibodies to Zika virus and other viruses including modification of existing protocols and use of existing equipment to allow new assays to be performed in a high throughput format.
• Laboratory Technicians - assists with portions of research projects related to the biological sciences (i.e., pathology, physiology, toxicology, and molecular biology). Assignments may include responsibility for various segments of limited projects or portion of a long-range project requiring numerous complex experiments. Duties may include but are not limited to the following: Applies knowledge of the basic principles, concepts, and methodology of the field to schedule, organize and execute the administrative and technical details of assigned projects. Assignments will include responsibility for: securing appropriate work space and/or equipment; resolving common administrative problems; performing specialized techniques and/or coordinating with others to resolve nonstandard technical problems; developing data in accordance with established study plan; assisting with the data refinement and justification. Calibrate, operate, recognize malfunctions, and make standard adjustments to a variety of complex equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, incubators, balances, etc. Interacts with equipment service representatives to trouble shoot and/or obtain repairs to equipment as required. Perform a variety of specialized procedures such as performing animal surgery to excise organs; preparing slides and/or solutions following standard procedures and formulas; drawing blood or collecting other specimens; mixing samples and specimens with reagents to perform chemical analysis; recording readings and other observations/outcomes. Assist with compilation, justification and refinement of data; prepare charts/summaries; perform basic computations and numerical summaries; and/or cross reference facts/data. Maintain accurate record of laboratory experiments and procedures in compliance with Quality Management Standards (QMS) established for CDC laboratories. Participate in training for use of laboratory equipment and adherence to and QMS standards, safety, select agent, and facility security requirements.
• Entomologist - performs research on vector borne disease outbreaks, vector-borne disease ecology and epidemiology. The work involves the development of an understanding of vector-borne disease, vector-borne disease ecology and epidemiology. Projects contain a limited number of variables and are completed by application of standard approaches and established precedents. Supports small routine projects or a portion of larger projects. Conducts minor design and systems analysis for the development of scientific models. Prepares proposals for accomplishing the work. Develops portions of technical publications.
• Health Scientist - serves as a scientist in the evaluation of public health issues or health hazards. This position designs, oversees, implements, and conducts major scientific surveys/studies or projects to identify and solve public health problems. Identifies and analyzes public health issues and their impact on operations that are critical to the public health community at large. Develops and/or uses innovative methodologies and techniques. Searches, synthesizes, and interprets information relevant to public health. Reviews and analyzes studies and projects assessing major and or sensitive public health issues in order to make recommendations for processes, procedures and /or policies related to public health programs, practices and research. Leads collaboration on programs/projects/studies and coordinates efforts, as appropriate, with other program staff, other federal agencies, national, state and local health agencies, and private and non-profit organizations. Prepares scientific and other articles and technical reports for publication.
• Ecologist - assess the effects of control measures on host and vector populations, the prevalence of disease-causing pathogens in these host vectors, and the surrounding environment. The Ecologist: assesses the distribution and density of the vertebrate hosts of vector-borne or zoonotic diseases, the arthropod vectors of those diseases, and the pathogens that cause these diseases. Conducts field work to collect, transport, and store host and vector samples for later laboratory analysis. Studies the potential impacts of human behaviors, land use, agricultural practices or other human-related factors on the ecology and transmission of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. Applies basis statistics used in ecological studies. May use GIS software and other methods to map and model host, vector, and pathogen distribution.
• Epidemiologist - oversees public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement. This position investigates diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission. The epidemiologist plans and directs studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease. Fieldwork may be required. The Epidemiologist: assists with the identification and analysis of public health issues and their impact on public policies or scientific studies or surveys. Analyzes study or project implementation procedures for improvement; works with program specialists and/ or scientists as appropriate, to support the development of more viable implementation procedures and coordinates with appropriate staff to make needed changes. Consults on, monitors, and measures the outcome of assigned programs through studies that evaluate the effectiveness of subject activities in meeting the needs of program participants. Using scientific and technical methods and practices, identifies and evaluates a wide range of health conditions in a specialty area. Utilizes statistical techniques commonly used in epidemiologic evaluations to interpret and analyze observed health phenomenon.
• Biosafety Specialist - manages a variety of scientific and regulatory responsibilities which may call for a number of inspections or investigative approaches applicable to a variety of regulatory functions or intensive program evaluations. Have expert knowledge of federal safety regulation and expert knowledge of Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) select agent regulations. The center level biosafety specialist must be eligible to sit or already possess the Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) Certification. The Biosafety Specialist shall serve as an advisor to management on issues of biosafety, chemical, and radiation safety; research, assess, investigate, analyze, and evaluate laboratory practices and strategies to provide guidance, consultation and recommendations on improving laboratory operation efficiency and effectiveness; coordinate and identify site-specific safety training for laboratory staff; participates in Division-level safety audits and inspections; direct support of Divisions with corrective action and improvement efforts, as needed; facilitate cross-Center communication of safety activities; assist safety officers in the preparation of guidelines, site-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs), instructions, manuals, and other documentation for biosafety level laboratory operations designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness; maintain records of all laboratory inspections and safety incidents; provide guidance on risk assessments, specialized decontamination, responses to emergencies involving biological and chemical agents and facilities/equipment certifications; comply with requirements to successfully complete initial and annual safety training.
• Field Support:
• Technician - provides a variety of support to staff in the field and in the laboratory. Prepare and organize field equipment and supplies in the vehicles for field work. Provide general support to staff in the field and laboratory. Collect and transfer data from captured mosquito specimens and other environmental data on paper or electronic forms in handheld data collection devices (tablets). Assist in the collection of data with specialized instruments in the laboratory or field. Assist in educating residents on the purpose and procedure of field interventions aimed at conducting mosquito vector surveillance and control. Assist in the fabrication of mosquito traps and other devices used in surveillance and control activities. Ensure that GSA field vehicles used by the Activity have gasoline and receive proper maintenance. Report any issues related to malfunctioning or other problems with field vehicles. Pick up and deliver supplies/packages from off-site locations.
• Supervisor - organizes and supervises the work of the field technicians. The Field Supervisor coordinates with CDC project leads about areas where the work will be performed, serves as point of contact for CDC staff about work in the field, and develops reports of work conducted. Tasks may also include supervise the collection and transfer of data from captured mosquito specimens and other environmental data on paper or electronic forms in handheld data collection devices (tablets/phones) and the completion of sample registration in the electronic database at the laboratory upon return from the field. Assist and train field technicians in the collection of data with specialized instruments in the laboratory or field. Lead the inspection of premises and public areas for the presence of containers and other collections of water that can produce mosquitoes, with collection of specimens as requested to establish mosquito species and sources of infestation.
• GIS Analyst - uses Geographic Information System (GIS) software, tools and methods to generate map products and conduct routine spatial analyses based on predefined procedures in a fast paced, applied and research environment. Perform address standardization and processing, geocoding, routine data maintenance, and other data management tasks. Position will be responsible for process documentation and maintenance of metadata. Maintain data, correctly archive and ensure quality control. Understand spatial data, how they work and their analyses. Operate GlS and GPS equipment.
• Research Assistant - supports epidemiological studies through a variety of tasks. Maintain data that supports the collection of the numerator and denominator of ongoing epidemiological studies. Collect Inform Consent Forms to be filled as per SOP. Assist in hospital staff training. Perform patient recruitment and participants interviews in clinic and field-based settings. Create a census of recruited participants. Enter sample collection and survey data into study databases. Record data from interviews and transcribe qualitative data as needed. Local travel is required. May draw blood from study subjects as needed and in accordance with local laws.
• Study Coordinator - supports Principal Investigators and Study Staff through a variety of tasks. Coordinate the work of Research Assistants assigned to the study to track patient enrollment in the study. Keep track data that supports the collection of the study numerator and denominator. Responsible for daily operations of the study sites and/or other existing research epidemiology projects. Work with physicians and nurses to ensure that patients with symptoms consistent with clinical definition are identified and enrolled in the research projects. Review all completed participant data collection forms for completeness and accuracy. Ensure completeness of laboratory results. Local travel is required. May draw blood from study subjects as needed and in accordance with local laws.
• Phlebotomist - supports studies and provides a variety of patient-level tasks. Call participants from list provided by customer to inform them of the studies, answer questions about the studies and conduct recruitment. Complete informed consent form if indicated in the specific study. Make appointments with participants for household visits for blood collection on the hours, place and days specified. Label collection tubes with barcoded labels, and collect specimens as required by each study. Instruct patients on collection of other body fluid samples. Assist with the collection and entry of data from other studies as needed, including qualitative studies.

CITIZENSHIP/SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass a background check to obtain a common access card (CAC)

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 10 paid holidays. The Alaka`ina Foundation FOCs is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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 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, Kpono Government Services, Kapili Services, Po`okela Solutions, Kkaha Solutions, LLC, and Pololei Solutions, LLC. Alaka`ina Foundation activities under the 501(c)3 principally benefit the youth of Hawaii through charitable efforts which includes providing innovative educational programs that combine leadership, science & technology, and environmental stewardship.

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