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

As part of the NBACC Aerobiology Team, the Senior Research Associate works with an interdisciplinary team of scientists in the NBTCC to conduct research focused on understanding factors influencing airborne transmission and mitigating the risks associated with the potential malicious use of biological aerosols.

Research is performed within state-of-the art biocontainment laboratories (BSL-2 through BSL-4) and spans a range of topics, such as assessment of the performance of aerosol generation and sampling equipment, including aerosol particle size measurement; characterization of the physicochemical and pathogenic properties of infectious biological aerosols to inform transport and dispersion modeling; inhalation toxicology and exposure assessment; and evaluation of medical countermeasure efficacy in animal models of disease, including respiratory drug delivery.

 
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and a minimum of 5 years related experience or a Master’s degree and a minimum of 3 years experience.
• Relevant experience in any of the following:
o Operation of equipment for aerosol generation and characterization, including particle size measurement.
o Assessment of the performance of aerosol sampling equipment and methodologies.
o Assessment of decay of microorganisms in aerosols using rotating drum chambers or similar methodologies.
o Inhalation toxicology, including conducting inhalation exposures in animal models of disease and characterization of disease presentation post-exposure.
o Medical countermeasure evaluation, including vaccine/monoclonal antibody/small molecule efficacy evaluation and preparation/characterization of vaccines/therapeutics for respiratory delivery.
• Experience with statistics is also desirable.
• Experience with laboratory automation, such as use of LabView or Python for control of laboratory equipment/processes, is desirable.
• 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

• Supports execution and data analysis for studies examining the physicochemical, biological and/or pathogenic properties of infectious biological aerosols.
• Provides input on methods and procedures for studies. Collaborates with other NBACC staff and external scientists in the design and evaluation of novel test systems and methodologies.
• Provides mentoring to more junior staff on techniques in which the employee is considered to be expert.
• Operates, maintains, and characterizes the performance of equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s standards.
• 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 Standard Operating Procedures (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 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.
• 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.