Research Associate, Virology/Toxinology

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 NBTCC at the NBACC to perform virology and toxinology research that addresses specific 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 state-of-the-art Biosafety Level (BSL) -2, -3, and -4 laboratories. All facilities are fully staffed and equipped with a wide range of technologies required for biodefense and infectious disease 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.
• Experience must include at least one of the following methods: mammalian cell culture technologies/capabilities; RT-qPCR/RT-PCR; virus, pseudo-virus, viral vector, or virus-like particle propagation and titration; next generation sequencing; immunostaining of cells; support of virus-related studies.
• Experience supporting laboratory logistical functions (e.g., reagent and supply inventory, purchasing, coordination of instrument maintenance, laboratory upkeep and organization).
• 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 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

• Provides technical and laboratory expertise to perform research in BSL-2, 3, & 4 laboratories aimed at addressing viral and/or toxin characterization knowledge gaps, such as evaluation of viral/toxin production, environmental decay, and virulence/toxicity.
• Collaborates with other scientific staff to identify and implement continued process improvements to NBTCC cell culture operations.
• Provides support to virus and toxin-based assays in BSL-2, 3, & 4 laboratories based upon NBTCC project requirements.
• Contributes in matrixed and cross-functional research teams that may include Aerobiology, Bacteriology, and Comparative Medicine (veterinary) staff.
• Adapts to potentially rapidly changing and high tempo project requirements to address national security issues with flexibility and resiliency.
• Maintains accurate and complete records and collects/analyzes technical and programmatic data as part of a project team in support of Project Lead or Principal Investigator. Performs quality control and peer review of data as assigned.
• Develops high quality draft protocols, task-specific procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Identifies and documents inconsistencies among SOPs or deviations from them, and promptly reports these to the Project Lead and/or management.
• 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.
• Participates in the testing and evaluation of new technologies and protocols to improve the NBTCC’s ability to serve its customers.
• Demonstrates proficiency in cell culture and in vitro virology and/or toxin assays.
• Possesses the ability to work on multiple scientific 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.
• May be appointed as a Lab Space Manager (LSM) and/or Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) designee.
• Follows established procedures on routine work, requires instruction only on new assignments, and is self-sufficient in monitoring and reporting on quality, and compliance.
• Maintains a safe work environment by participating in specialized training and review of safety manuals and SOPs.
• 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 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.