BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is the first national laboratory created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). NBACC is sponsored by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and is operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC (BNBI). NBACC is a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. NBACC includes two centers: the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts laboratory studies to characterize the threat posed by biological agents to inform national-level threat and hazard assessments, and biodefense preparedness planning and response. Together, these centers offer a national resource for understanding the risks posed by the malicious use of biological agents and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Assistant Principal Investigator works as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists in the NBTCC to design, execute, and analyze the results of research studies examining the properties of infectious biological aerosols needed to address questions of national significance in support of biodefense preparedness, response, and recovery planning. Research is performed within state-of-the art biocontainment laboratories, and spans a range of topics, including characterization of the physical and pathogenic properties of infectious biological aerosols to inform transport and dispersion modeling, assessment of the performance of aerosol sampling equipment, respiratory toxicology and exposure assessment, and evaluation of medical countermeasure efficacy in animal models of disease.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and less than 2 years related experience; may include post-doctoral experience.
• Skilled in laboratory methodologies and procedures related to aerobiology and aerosol science.
• Experience presenting results of research, in both oral and written formats, as demonstrated by a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional meetings.
• Possesses technical knowledge needed to identify issues and recommend solutions to improve laboratory procedures and experimental plans.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work on problems of moderate scope in which analysis of data requires review of identifiable factors.
• Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC’s management systems (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.
• Participates 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Possesses technical expertise related to generation, sampling, and characterization of aerosols, including particle size measurement using optical and/or impaction-based methodologies. Experience with biological aerosols and/or respiratory delivery of therapeutics is desired.
• A background in statistics is desired.
• Experience with biocontainment facilities and procedures, laboratory safety, biosecurity, and decontamination are desired.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads aerobiology-focused research projects to address knowledge gaps related to transmission of disease by infectious biological aerosols. Work is conducted in biosafety level 2 through 4 containment laboratories. Responsibilities may include planning of project scope, schedule and budget; design and setup of test systems; data collection and analysis; management of project technical staff; completion of assigned projects within time and budget constraints; and compliance with relevant regulatory and sponsor requirements.
• Leverages subject matter expertise in aerobiology and aerosol science to maintain and expand NBTCC capabilities. Assists in the continuous evaluation and improvement of experimental processes, including design of novel test methodologies in collaboration with other researchers.
• Operates, maintains, and characterizes the performance of equipment used for the aerosol studies, including optical particle sizers, cascade impactors, and aerosol generation devices.
• Prepares technical reports and proposals, presentation materials, and other programmatic documents that are high quality, accurate, and address the requirements of the sponsor.
• Maintains awareness of scientific and programmatically relevant trends, particularly those related to aerosol transmission of infectious diseases.
• Expands expertise in aerobiology and aerosol science related subject areas through attendance at relevant meetings, conferences, and continuing education courses.
• Possesses the ability to work on multiple scientific tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt project scope and requirements in response to emerging priorities.
• Exercises judgement within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action, while supervising technical personnel.
• Receives no instruction on routine work and general instruction on new assignments.
• Ability to formulate scientific hypotheses and demonstrate technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.
• Provides mentoring of personnel on techniques which the employee is considered to be a subject matter expert.
• 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.
• Maintains and evaluates records of analysis and reviews laboratory results, plans and reports.
• Ensures that equipment, reagents and supplies are maintained and used properly.
• Directs, prioritizes, schedules and provides technical expertise to staff to conduct work.
• 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.