Research Associate, Microbiology (#1876)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility located on Fort Detrick in Frederick MD and is 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 4 years of related experience or a Master's degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Experience should include at least one 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.
• Experience supporting laboratory logistical functions (e.g., reagent and supply inventory, purchasing, coordination of instrument maintenance, laboratory upkeep and organization) is required.
• Intermediate scientific proficiency in laboratory functions. Possesses the ability to identify issues with 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