Research Scientist, Aerobiology

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) federal laboratory sponsored by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC (BNBI).

PRIMARY FUNCTION

As part of the NBACC Aerobiology Group, the Research Associate works with an interdisciplinary team of scientists in the National Biological Threat Characterization (NBTCC) to perform laboratory studies examining the pathogenic properties of biological aerosols needed to address questions of national significance in support of biodefense preparedness, response and recovery planning. The Research Scientist provides technical support related to the characterization of animal models of inhalational disease, development of methodologies to characterize physiological/toxicological changes post-exposure, evaluation of the efficacy of medical countermeasures, and data analysis.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and a minimum of 9 years related experience or a Master's degree and a minimum of 7 years experience.
* Experience in one or more of the following:
o Inhalation toxicology, specifically animal models of infectious disease, aerosol generation and aerosol sampling.
o Monitoring of changes physiological/toxicological parameters indicative of infection, such as body temperature via telemetry or metrics of immune function.
o Conducting studies examining the efficacy of novel therapeutics or vaccines.
* Experience with study design and data analysis, including statistical significance testing.
* Highly skilled scientific proficiency in laboratory functions. Possesses the ability to identify issues and recommend solutions to institutional science 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 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

* Develops novel methodologies to characterize physiological/toxicological changes post-exposure.
* Mentors subordinates and/or technical personnel on techniques which the employee is the subject matter expert (SME); provides support to virology and bacteriology groups in area(s) of expertise as needed.
* Provides technical support to multiple projects simultaneously and may serve as a technical lead in the conduct of studies with infectious bioaerosols in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 containment laboratories.
* Collects, analyzes, and interprets scientific data in collaboration with other NBACC staff and external scientists.
* Consistently performs work on complex scientific projects requiring independent action and high degree of initiative, while developing scientific experimental plans to produce a consistent high quality science product.
* Determines methods and procedures on new assignments.
* May be an informal team leader who makes institutional-level contributions, anticipates issues and opportunities to improve, and builds group consensus approaches.
* Maintains a safe work environment by participating in specialized training and review of safety manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
* Identifies departures from the Quality Management System (QMS) and initiates actions to investigate and prevent such occurrences.
* Directs, prioritizes, schedules and provides technical expertise to staff to conduct work.
* 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 test according to appropriate SOPs.
* Serves as a member of a team in developing, validating and maintaining methods for identifying and characterizing biological threat agents.
* Maintains appropriate records.
* Performs other assigned duties.

BNBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Category

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Experience

9 to 20+ years

Job type

Full time