AAT Research And Telemetry Technician

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a AAT Research And Telemetry Technician to perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. Provides laboratory and technical support to senior technical and professional staff. Solves problems of moderate complexity in carrying out research projects in a clinical or laboratory environment. The Contractor shall perform tasks as primary telemetry support POC and provide laboratory support by assisting in the performance of aerosol exposures and animal research protocols as prioritized by AAT Leadership. Contractor should have 5 years of relevant aerosol experience. The Contractor shall have a working knowledge of aerosol generating platforms and ancillary equipment to include aerodynamic particle sizers, aerosol nebulizers, aerosol collection devices, and various plenums. The Contractor shall have experience with Data Sciences International (DSI) telemetry systems and software. The Contractor shall execute scientific studies, assist with data collection/entry, and maintain laboratory space and equipment. The Contractor shall work in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories with controlled substances.

This position will be in support of United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Technical Research Support Services located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD. USAMRIID works closely with other U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) organizations, Department of Defense (DoD), the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health. This includes conducting Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation (RDTE) of medical countermeasure against biological threats and the safety, quality assurance, project management, and core support required for these research activities.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Contractor shall independently assemble, calibrate, and test telemetry systems (e.g., DSI, Stellar and NOTOCORD); troubleshoot electronic and software communication issues, and independently perform telemetry support for animal studies in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 biocontainment laboratory environments. Workload is approximately twenty (20) research studies per year.
• Contractor shall operate and maintain the telemetry systems in a validated state for use in GLP animal studies and assist in the maintenance and validation of telemetry equipment as needed. Contractor shall maintain an inventory of all telemetry system components to include hardware and software as needed. Workload is approximately fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) validated systems per year.
• Contractor shall maintain a safe and secure storage and backup of all original data files; tabulate and analyze telemetry data and provide results to Telemetry Support SME for review as needed.
• Contractor shall independently assemble, calibrate, and test telemetry systems; troubleshoot electronic and software communication issues, and independently perform telemetry support for animal studies in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 biocontainment laboratory environments. Workload is approximately twenty (20) research studies per year.
• Contractor shall assist to generate, characterize, and sample biological aerosols to support pathogenesis and medical countermeasure studies against biothreat agents. This shall include animal plethysmography, aerosol supervision and assisting, bacterial and viral assaying, and decontaminations. Workload is approximately 75-120 aerosol exposures per year.
• Contractor shall investigate independently, and in collaboration with others, events during the phases of infection in representative laboratory animals prior to and following agent exposure. Support all logistical and technical aspects of AAT supported animal protocols including but not limited to preparation of sample tubes, required supplies, and associated paperwork. Complete all study activities as assigned in the AAT Scheduling program. Follow study protocol and schedule to complete study activities as assigned to include but not limited to sample processing, aliquoting, sample inactivation, and sample management. Studies shall be conducted in a BSL-2, BSL-3, or BSL-4 laboratory environment. Workload is up to 20 protocols per year.
• Contractor shall perform assays to include viral and bacterial stock characterization, plating assays, ELISA, RT-PCR, microarray, cytokine analysis, and applicable in vitro sample analysis assays as required by approved in vivo and in vitro protocols.
• Contractor shall perform clinical pathology evaluation such as hematology, clinical chemistry analysis, coagulation and similar, in support of approved animal protocols and NHP colony management operations.
• Contractor shall be trained in GLP and maintain records at that standard IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs.
• Contractor shall assist in the coordination and collaboration with scientists and technical staff within the Institute to provide telemetry services to include assisting in the training of study personnel on basic telemetry functions and data review.
• Complete required training as assigned in RIID-Train and by AAT Leadership. Contractor shall maintain training records IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs.
• Contractor shall maintain AAT laboratory space and equipment. Record and document all equipment maintenance IAW USAMRIID SOPs and in compliance with GLP standards. Replenish supplies and promptly notify AAT leadership when supplies are low. Obtain and provide equipment and supply quotes as requested
• Contractor shall timely report observations of safety or standard operating procedure non-compliance IAW applicable USAMRIID SOPs, guidance and regulations.
• Contractor shall perform weekly/monthly details of Building 1412 BSL-3 change rooms, showers, and assigned containment areas. Details include cleaning, restocking, proper disposal of expired materials, and ensuring equipment and safety requirements are completed and documented IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs.
• Contractor shall perform weekly/monthly details of Building 1412 BSL-2 assigned laboratories. Details include cleaning, restocking, proper disposal of expired materials, and ensuring equipment and safety requirements are completed and documented IAW all applicable regulations and USAMRIID SOPs.
• Contractor shall assist with SOP writing, revision and review to meet GLP requirements and assist in the generation of SOP risk assessments. Contractor shall appropriately respond to regulatory audits and Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPAs) within the required timelines. Workload is typically ten (10) to fifteen (15) SOPs and five (5) to ten (10) CAPAs per year.
• Contractor shall coordinate and collaborate with AAT leadership and personnel to assist in the development and continuation of the AAT technical training program. Contactor shall demonstrate proficiency in required tasks, and once qualified by AAT leadership, Contractor shall assist in the training of other technical staff as assigned.
• Contractor shall assist with entering of study data into appropriate formats and the development of charts and graphs as required. Contractor shall assist in the preparation of manuscripts or posters relating to their research efforts. If determined by the government, the Contractor shall present research findings at one scientific conference per year, which may require local or CONUS travel. Contractor shall present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested.
• Contractor may be required to assist with technical support of animal protocols as needed by performing animal observations, physicals, sample collection, euthanasia, and tissue collection as required. Successful completion of training is required and provided by qualified Veterinary Medicine Division staff. All laboratory tasks shall be conducted under the guidance of a study PI and under the authority of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and in compliance with GLP standards. Studies shall be conducted in a BSL-2, BSL-3, or BSL-4 laboratory environment.
• Contractor shall promptly notify TPOC and AAT Leadership if restricted from containment and provide anticipated length of restriction for scheduling purposes. Contractor shall coordinate task coverage with contract team members and notify AAT Leadership of updated assignments.
• CS-PRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.
• BPRP enrollment is required and shall be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 5-7 years' experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of complex laboratory techniques.
• Ability to follow basic instructions.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance and BRPR, CPRP, and/or CSPRP, including background check and drug screening.

Physical Capabilities

• Maintain sufficient health to meet enrollment criteria and maintain eligibility in USAMRIID's Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP), Chemical Personnel Reliability Program (CPRP) and/or Controlled Substances Personnel Reliability Program (CSPRP).
• Current on routine adult immunizations or proof of active immunity against HBV, MMR, Influenza, COVID-19, Tdap. Employees working directly with patients or research participants must receive a negative TB test.
• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a clinical or laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $50,100 - $90,900. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.