Research Associate, Microbiology/Bacteriology

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 projects, perform laboratory tasks, and analyze research data that addresses specific scientific questions of national significance in support of biodefense. Areas of research include growth, physical, biological, biochemical, and pathogenic properties of bacterial agents. Work will be performed in state-of-the-art Biosafety Level (BSL)-2/3/4 and Animal BSL (ABSL)-2/3/4 facilities that are fully staffed and equipped with a wide range of technologies for biodefense research.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and a minimum of 2 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree.
• Intermediate scientific proficiency in laboratory functions. Possesses the ability to identify issues with laboratory protocols, procedures, and experimental plans.
• Working knowledge of methodologies for growth, quantification, identification, and characterization of bacterial agents required.
• 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.
• Experience in one or more of the following methods is desired: molecular/genetic techniques to include cloning, protein expression, mutagenesis, next generation sequencing, flow cytometry, pharmaceutical formulation, and/or use of automated systems.
• Knowledge or experience with biocontainment facilities and procedures, laboratory safety, biosurety, and decontamination is desirable.
• Knowledge or experience with genetic engineering in a range of gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria 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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates as a research team member on bacterial threat characterization studies performing a variety of tasks including growth and quantification of a wide range of bacterial agents and performance of assays to characterize phenotypic, biochemical, and genetic properties of bacterial agents.
• Contributes in matrixed and cross-functional research teams that may include Aerobiology, Virology/Toxinology, and Comparative Medicine (veterinary) staff.
• May support characterization of protein and peptide toxins and mechanisms responsible for their susceptibility to environmental stresses and toxicity.
• Supports establishment of new capabilities to improve characterization of bacterial and toxin agents and the mechanisms responsible for influencing growth, susceptibility to environmental stresses, and virulence/toxicity.
• Adapts to potentially rapidly changing and high tempo project requirements to address national security issues with flexibility and resiliency.
• Follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and task-specific procedures and maintains accurate, well organized and complete records.
• Supports Principal Investigators during the writing of technical reports through review and summary of experimental records, initial processing and QC of raw data, and technical review of methods and data.
• Safely operates, maintains, and documents the performance of equipment used for bacteriology studies with minimal supervision.
• Assists in the planning and preparation of the laboratory reagents and materials for experiments. Documents these actions as required.
• Possesses the ability to work on multiple science tasks simultaneously, while performing assignments outside of area of expertise.
• Exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Follows established procedures on routine work, requires instruction only on new assignments, and is self-sufficient in monitoring and reporting on quality and compliance.
• 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 equipment ensuring the reagents and supplies are maintained and used properly.
• 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.