What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Research Associate, Microbiology (#1859) position at Battelle National Biodefense Inst?

Job Description

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 bacterial 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.

As a Microbiology Sr. Research Associate, the individual in this position will support efforts to grow, analyze, and characterize, bacterial agents to provide data that addresses knowledge gaps, which impact the ability to assess the degree of risk posed by these agents. Work will include performance of standard bacteriological methods including phenotypic, biochemical and / or molecular analyses on a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial agents. Additional responsibilities will involve execution of experiments for expression, purification and functional analysis of antibodies for medical countermeasure applications.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific or engineering discipline, and a minimum of 6 years of related experience.
Must have experience with standard bacteriological methods including phenotypic, biochemical and / or molecular analysis of bacterial agents.
Must have experience with the expression, purification, or functional analysis of antibodies.
Advanced scientific proficiency in laboratory functions. Demonstrates 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 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

Performs analysis of bacteriological samples utilizing standard techniques such as plating, Gram staining, colony counting, as well as phenotypic, biochemical, and / or genetic analyses.

Produces, purifies, and evaluates antibodies using standard immunological methods.

Serves as a member of a team in developing, validating, and maintaining methods for identifying and characterizing biological threat agents.

Provides technical support to multiple bacteriology and aerobiology projects simultaneously.

May support other research areas of NBACC with appropriate training to meet program requirements.

Proactively identifies issues and recommends solutions to improve laboratory protocols, procedures, and experimental plans, and participates in the testing and evaluation of new technologies and protocols to improve NBACC’s ability to serve its customers.

Assists in developing high-quality draft protocols, task-specific procedures and SOPs with minimal supervision, maintaining records and supporting Principal Investigators during the writing of technical reports delivered to the NBACC laboratory directors.

May act as a Technical Lead to coordinate day-to-day project logistics and scheduling, perform summary-level analyses of data and provide drafts of project administrative documents.

Mentors / cross trains other technical staff on bacterial and aerobiology protocols, procedures and SOPs.

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 duties as assigned / authorized.

BNBI prohibits discrimination and employs and advances individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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Sr. Research Associate, Microbiology (#1859)

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