The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a need for a Molecular Research Technician IV to support our government customer located in Silver Spring, MD, with the potential need to travel to remote sites CONUS and OCONUS.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• With approval from the COR, make advance arrangements, within a minimum of three weeks' advance notice, for checking out and picking up Government vehicles to travel to remote sites.
• Work collaboratively within MRSN laboratories to sequence and analyze (assemblies, typing, comparative genomics, resistance gene predictions, etc.) the isolates in the MRSN repository as requested/prioritized by MRSN leadership.
• Utilize long and short sequencing technologies for high-throughput bacterial genome sequencing and support in the near real-time sequencing and genomic analysis of contemporary isolates received on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis at the MRSN.
• Troubleshoot existing technologies and validate and implement new sequencing technologies as required.
• Perform sequencing and/or genomic analysis of isolates as part of collaborative projects initiated by the MRSN leadership.
• Catalog and categorize all resistance genes of interest in target MDROs, to include: cinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae among others as determined by MRSN leadership and mission directives.
• Prepare "flash" and "outbreak" reports to communicate in near real time on the inferred occurrence of nosocomial transmission events.
• Prepare "global" and "annual" surveillance reports to communicate on the emergence and prevalence of MDROs in selected hospitals and/or regions of the world, as determined by MRSN leadership and mission directives.
• Assist in the instruction and execution of Next-Generation Sequencing teaching courses offered by the MRSN that involve whole genome sequencing assembly and analysis using a variety of software tools to better understand bacterial epidemiology and antibiotic resistance.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or in a related science (e.g., laboratory science such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.) or equivalent with an emphasis in molecular research.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to manage a high-throughput sequencing laboratory focused on bacterial genetics.
• Extensive knowledge of bacterial genetics and experience with modern molecular laboratory protocols for the manipulation of bacteria
• Extensive experience troubleshooting DNA extraction and DNA sequencing library preparation kits and protocols.
• Extensive knowledge of current long and short read NGS platforms and their associated reagents and protocols.
• Extensive experience in the operation of liquid handlers.

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must have completed NACI with ability to obtain Secret Clearance.
• Must have Valid U.S. State Driver's License
• Must have valid U.S. Passport.

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is a fast-growing government service provider. Employees enjoy competitive salaries. Eligible full-time 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, Kpono Government Services, and Kpili Services, Po`okela Solutions, Kkaha 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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