Assistant Staff - Biologist

Group 22-Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (C-WMD) Systems Group. The C-WMD Systems Group develops systems and technology for preparedness, as well as the characterization, detection, mitigation, medical response, remediation, and attribution of CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) threats. Principal sponsors are the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. The work of the group is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary. Accordingly, the backgrounds of the researchers and program teams are diverse. As a group biologist, you will work with the team to understand and support C-WMD mission area success by executing a range of analytical methods in a biology lab. As needed, technology development and testing may be conducted, which may also involve testing outside a laboratory and/or in operational settings. Such experimentation can span the evaluation of chemical, biological, explosive and radiological defense technologies, methods, and prototyping efforts. Research is also often conducted in collaboration with stakeholder and first responder communities.

Job Description

The C-WMD Systems Group is seeking an Assistant or Associate Staff member to support biological laboratory efforts associated with a broad range of programs in core C-WMD mission technology areas to address key stakeholder needs and further the Group's core C-WMD mission areas. Examples of problems include: analysis of trace samples for forensic or attribution purposes, environmental sampling and analysis to inform sensor performance, C-WMD phenomenology, metagenomics analysis and novel assay development. Activities within the group are highly collaborative and multidisciplinary. The C-WMD Systems Group draws from a very diverse talent pool across the fields of engineering (e.g., electrical, mechanical, chemical, biomedical, general), physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and biology. Staff members work in a team environment to study a broad range of key technical questions to countering the proliferation and use of WMDs. Biology-based activities in the Group include sampling and analysis of nucleic acids, production of appropriate test materials, assistance with field-based activities.

B.A./B.S./M.S. in biology, biomedical engineering or related scientific field, or equivalent experience in lab-based biology and biological methods. Demonstrated skills in biology lab best practices (e.g., aseptic technique) and experience with common molecular and cellular biology techniques among the following, gel electrophoresis, quantitative PCR, nucleic acid sequencing, mammalian and microbial cell culture, is highly desired, along with the willingness to learn additional methods and platforms as needed. Lab experience outside of coursework and evidence of self-directed research is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with a wide spectrum of audiences and ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams is also desired.