As part of the NBACC Aerobiology Group, the Research Scientist works with an interdisciplinary team of scientists in the National Biological Threat Characterization (NBTCC) to develop, manage and analyze research examining the physical and pathogenic properties of infectious biological aerosols needed to address questions of national significance in support of biodefense preparedness, response and recovery planning.
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and a minimum of 9 years related experience or a Master’s degree and a minimum of 7 years’ experience.
• Experience in one or more of the following:
a. Respiratory drug delivery
b. Aerosol generation and characterization
c. Dispersion stability
• A strong background in statistics is desirable.
• Knowledge or experience with biocontainment facilities and procedures, laboratory safety, biosurety, and decontamination is desirable.
• Highly skilled scientific proficiency in laboratory functions. Possesses the ability to identify issues and recommend solutions to institutional science 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.
• 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, a favorable adjudication of the Department of Justice (DoJ) for select agent access, and enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP). Current clearance(s) desirable.
• Participation in the Immunization Program through Frederick Health Employer Solutions (FHES) is required.
• May be required to participate in NBACC’s alternative work and/or on-call schedule, dependent upon business needs.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provides technical support to multiple projects simultaneously, working on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative and may serve as a technical lead in the conduct of aerobiology studies in biosafety level 2 through 4 containment laboratories.
• Provides mentoring of personnel within group on techniques which the employee is considered to be a subject matter expert (SME); provide support to virology and bacteriology groups in area(s) of expertise as needed.
• Designs novel aerosol test systems in collaboration with other researchers, including coordination of fabrication with external subcontractors as necessary.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets scientific data related to biological aerosol studies in collaboration with other NBACC staff and external scientists.
• Operates, maintains, and characterizes the performance of equipment used for the aerosol studies, such as optical particle sizers, cascade impactors, and aerosol generation devices.
• Consistently performs work on complex scientific projects requiring independent action and high degree of initiative, while developing scientific experimental plans to produce a consistent high quality science product.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments.
• May be an informal team leader who makes institutional-level contributions, anticipates issues and opportunities to improve, and builds group consensus approaches.
• Maintains a safe work environment by participating in specialized training and review of safety manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Identifies departures from the Quality Management System (QMS) and initiates actions to investigate and prevent such occurrences.
• Ensures that equipment, reagents and supplies are maintained and used properly.
• Directs, prioritizes, schedules and provides technical expertise to staff to conduct work.
• Operates, maintains, and characterizes the performance of the equipment with minimal supervision.
• 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.
• Performs other assigned duties.
BNBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.