BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Its work supports DHS and National biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization and bioforensic analyses. It is the first national laboratory created by DHS in response to biodefense gaps identified following the Amerithrax attacks of 2001 and has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006. Since its inception, NBACC and its staff have filled critical shortfalls in our scientific knowledge of biological agents needed to protect the public and defend the Nation from biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate and provided federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and protection of the US bioeconomy.

NBACC includes two centers: the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts the technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts experiments and studies to obtain data required for a better understanding of biological vulnerabilities and hazards. Together these centers offer a unique national resource for understanding the risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies to inform biodefense policy and response planning and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Works with a team of scientists in the NBTCC at the NBACC to develop, manage and analyze research that addresses specific scientific questions of national significance in support of biodefense preparedness, response and recovery. Areas of research include a range of topics related to the physical, biological and/or pathogenic properties of viral or toxin agents. Work will be performed in select agent-approved state-of-the-art Biosafety Level (BSL) - 2, 3, & 4 and Animal BSL (ABSL) - 2, 3, & 4 facilities fully staffed and equipped with a wide range of technologies useful for biodefense and infectious disease research.


MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and a minimum of 5 years of related experience or a Master's degree and a minimum of 3 years of practical laboratory experience.
* Experience should include at least three of the following methods: mammalian cell culture; virus, pseudovirus, viral vector, or virus-like particle propagation and titration; cell-based assays and laboratory automation; immunostaining of cells; PCR/qPCR/RT-qPCR/ddPCR; next generation sequencing; heterologous protein expression; solid phase peptide and protein synthesis; cell-based toxicity and/or electrophysiological assays; affinity and/or native protein purification and quantification; high performance and/or fast protein liquid chromatography.
* Advanced scientific proficiency in laboratory functions. Possesses the ability to identify issues and recommend solutions to laboratory protocols, procedures, and experimental plans.
* Proficiency and clarity of oral and written communications are essential.
* Exemplary organizational skills with a proven track record of working effectively both independently and as a team player.
* Knowledge or experience with biocontainment facilities and procedures, laboratory safety, biosurety, and decontamination is desirable.
* Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC's management system (e.g., ISO).
* Must be a citizen of the United States, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance, suitability for DHS, and a favorable adjudication of the Department of Justice (DoJ) for select agent access.
* Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required.
* May be required to participate in NBACC's alternative work and/or on-call schedule, dependent upon business needs.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Provides technical and laboratory expertise to perform research projects in BSL-2, 3, & 4 laboratories aimed at addressing current virology and/or toxinology biological agent characterization knowledge gaps, such as evaluation of viral growth, environmental decay, and virulence/toxicity.
* Collaborates with other scientific staff to identify and implement continued process improvements to NBTCC cell culture operations.
* Provides support to virus and toxin-based assays in BSL-2, 3, & 4 laboratories based upon NBTCC project requirements.
* Contributes in matrixed and cross-functional research teams that may include Aerobiology, Bacteriology, and Comparative Medicine (veterinary) staff.
* Adapts to potentially rapidly changing and high tempo project requirements to address national security priorities with flexibility and resiliency. Proactively offers recommendations to modify processes and promote efficiency to achieve mission requirements.
* Collects/analyzes technical and programmatic data as part of a project team in support of Project Lead or Principal Investigator. Contributes to establish data management and data quality control processes for projects.
* Safely operates, maintains, and documents the performance of equipment used for virology/toxinology studies with minimal supervision, and proactively provides recommendations for process improvements or new capabilities when appropriate.
* May act as a Technical Lead on projects to coordinate day-to-day project logistics and scheduling, perform summary-level analysis of data, and provide drafts of project administrative documents.
* Develops high quality draft protocols, task-specific procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with minimal supervision. Proactively suggests improvements to existing SOPs and development of new SOPs when needed. Cross-trains peers on existing and new SOPs.
* Supports Principal Investigators during the writing of technical reports by providing high-quality draft text, figures, and data analyses. Performs peer review of final documents for technical accuracy and quality control.
* Provides technical support to multiple projects simultaneously and applies knowledge and skills to complete a wide range of tasks.
* Presents research results in written and oral formats.
* Provides mentorship to staff dependent on subject matter expertise.
* May support other research areas of NBACC with appropriate training as program requirements dictate.
* May be appointed as a Lab Space Manager (LSM), and/or Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) designee.
* Willingness to adapt to new work assignments, and perform assignments outside area of expertise, while managing resources efficiently.
* Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative, while understanding the implications of work and making recommendations for solutions.
* Receives little instruction on daily work, general instructions on newly introduced assignments, and has the ability to mentor personnel within the group, while identifying and communicating promptly and with recommended solutions.
* Participates in the testing and evaluation of new technologies and protocols including writing and updating NBACC SOPs, work instructions and forms to improve NBACC's ability to serve its customers.
* Identifies departures from the Quality Management System (QMS) and initiates actions to investigate and prevent such occurrences.
* With minimal supervision, operates, maintains, and characterizes the performance of the equipment ensuring the reagents and supplies are maintained and used properly.
* Develops techniques, prepares samples and performs tests according to appropriate SOPs.
* Serves as a member of a team in developing, validating, and maintaining methods for identifying and characterizing biological threat agents.
* Must be a team player, communicate clearly, be open to hearing ideas and suggestions from others, diffuse situations, and exercise empathy and patience with colleagues.
* Must have the ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks.
* Must be a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintain flexibility, adapt to change in a productive and positive manner, learn new concepts, and utilize critical thinking to resolve complex problems.
* Maintains appropriate records.
* Performs other assigned duties.

BNBI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.