Computational Biology / Bioinformatics Analyst III

Location MD - Silver Spring

Job Code 12094

# of openings 2

Apply Now (https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg04/ats/careers/v2/applyRequisition?org=AKIMEKATECH&cws=43&rid=12094)

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) has a potential need for a Computational Biology / Bioinformatics Analyst III to support our government customer located in Silver Spring, MD.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process and analyze data, visualize the outcome, utilize high performance computing, and draw scientific conclusions for identifying multi-omics molecular underpinnings of the diseases and disorders of military service.

• Perform routine and specialized procedures of molecular and systems biology and analytical techniques necessary to identify biomarkers from conditions/diseases of military relevance.

• Perform research to identify biomarkers of military relevant diseases to be used in the development of evidence-based knowledge products (e.g., government reports, peer-reviewed publications), diagnostic panels, and medical interventions in Servicemembers.

• Determine differential expression to include transcriptomic analysis of microarrays/next generation sequencing, single cell sequencing, epigenetic analysis including DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) analysis, high throughput proteomics and metabolomics, proteomics, exome sequencing, whole genome arrays, and using tools such as R programming, Bioconductor, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, genomics workbench, Genespring or equivalent software.

• Be involved in project specific assay design, data generation and/or data analysis.

• Develop and maintain databases as specified in the proposals and protocols and use the DOD High Performance Computing (HPC) system for data storage analysis and data mining.

• Perform statistical analysis for descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive data analysis. Some of the tools are unsupervised analysis, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and/or Self Organization Map (SOM); apply random forest and logistic regression model to identify sets of predictive molecules, pathway enrichment analysis by mining Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), Genome Ontology (GO) and MsigDB databases. For the microbiome, perform unbiased assessment of the metagenome, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), uniform manifold approximation projection (UMAP), and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE). Perform didactic instruction to laboratory members on statistical methods/techniques and analytical software.

• Manage and execute scientific protocols for multi-omics studies including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and single cell analysis. Develop and manage protocols that require Institutional Review Boards (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) reviews. Maintain an accurate account of assigned project’s funding, progress against proposed outcomes and necessary updates or issues that would prevent project completion from being reported to funding agencies.

• Navigate and utilize grant submission portals, such as grants.gov and have knowledge about intra and extramural partners, to include but not limited to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NASA, various university partners, commercial, and non-profit entities. The contractor shall support timely, compliant, and accurate submissions of technical reports and/or project updates required by funding agencies to support and track science project execution. Draft and submit funding proposals to support novel research efforts in funding relevant topics.

• Assist in preparing briefings, technical reports, and writing and figures for manuscript publication in professional/scientific journals.

• Review and edit written communications, research protocols, research records, and presentations. Assist in presentations of future, current or previous research efforts.

  REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Doctoral degree in bioinformatics, computer science or related field preferred.

• Must have graduate level training and proficiency in statistical analysis biomedical research, and quantitative analysis.

• Must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities in multiple relevant academic disciplines, including biomedical and mechanical engineering, neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and neuroanatomy. Areas of research interest include but are not limited to kinetic and non-kinetic TBI, injury biomechanics, cellular biology, biomarkers, neuropathology, PTSD, sleep rhythmicity, combat stress, psychological and physiological stress, and resilience.

  REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Prefers a minimum of 5+ years of related experience. (ie: Conducting research activities, processing and analyze data, visualizing the outcome, utilizing high performance computing, and drawing scientific conclusion in support of research efforts identifying biomarkers diseases (of military-relevant diseases preferred,) designing experiments, executing research protocols, and writing technical reports, manuscripts and funding applications.)

• Experience with specialized tools such as R programming, Bioconductor, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, CLC genomics workbench, Genespring or equivalent software (preferred).

• Must have knowledge of research design, statistical software packages, and proposal writing.

• Experience as lead on projects and as a principal investigator preferred.

• Must have the ability to:

• Interface effectively across the science and support community at large, as well as with representatives of sponsors, stakeholders, and other organizations.

• Conduct meetings with uniformed and civilian Government leaders, scientists, Principal Investigators (PIs), administrative officers, support staff, and other key stakeholders as necessary.

• Keep current in customer, sponsor, Government policies, rules, regulations, and practices with respect to project administration and execution.

• Use Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF products. All staff should have intermediate to advanced skills using Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.

• Analyze complex and ambiguous situations, identify workable solutions and their potential outcomes, and make appropriate determinations based on regulations and policies.

• Demonstrate a functional understanding of the military social environment with a basic knowledge of DoD related terminology, structure, operations, ability to effectively balance and resolve conflicts to mission execution.

• Demonstrate professional demeanor within the workplace and when interacting with other workplace staff.

• Maintain professional relationships in an effective manner.

• Manage multiple and shifting areas of importance and have an ability to self-prioritize in a deadline-driven environment.

• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Complete all site-specific trainings, surveys, and safety requirements as required.

  REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

• Must be U.S. Citizen.

• Must hold a minimum Tier II/Secret DoD Clearance level.

  ​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 (HRdept@alakaina.com) to request accommodation. We E-Verify all employees.

  The Alakaina 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 Keaki Technologies, Laulima Government Solutions, Kūpono Government Services, and Kāpili Services, Pookela Solutions, Kīkaha Solutions, LLC, and Pololei Solutions, LLC. Alakaina 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

  #LI-JS1

  #ClearanceJobs