BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is the first national laboratory created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is sponsored by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC (BNBI). The 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 experiments and studies to better understand biological vulnerabilities and hazards. 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

Serves as the primary scientific advisor across multiple disciplines for the NBFAC Director. Supports programmatic and technical activities for NBFAC, including laboratory operations at biosafety levels (BSL) 2, 3, and 4, which include the following disciplines: genomics and molecular biology, bioinformatics, human forensics, proteomics, electron microscopy, virology, immunology, and bacteriology. Responsibilities also include the execution, oversight, and management of capability expansion projects to support bioforensics that meet customer requirements. Provides input on strategic plans as well as communicates NBFAC projects in presentations and publications.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 
  Requires a PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and a minimum of 13 years of related experience.
• Subject matter expert and/or experience with multiple scientific disciplines to conduct bioforensics.
• Ability to demonstrate success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, and accountability, while collaborating with others using independent thought.
• 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 is desired.
• 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.

• Works as a strategic leader within NBFAC, to achieve institutional objectives in creative and effective ways with significant personnel, project, and budget management responsibilities across multiple projects.
• Develops, optimizes, and validates assays and/or methods used to conduct bioforensic analysis. Evaluates methods to ensure NBFAC is utilizing the most appropriate techniques to analyze forensic samples.
• Participates in strategic planning including the development of annual program execution plans, budget, and programmatic implementation plans for projects across multiple disciplines including genomics and molecular biology, bioinformatics, human forensics, proteomics, electron microscopy, virology, immunology, and bacteriology.
• Supports the direction and management of NBFAC Casework and bioforensic capability expansion projects. Assures projects are performed in compliance with all regulatory requirements and the operational capability of assigned lab space, including maintenance of CDC select agent registration and ISO 17025 accreditation.
• Provides leadership to technical staff and creates a culture of respect, scientific inquiry, and high-quality work. Provides support to staff which includes goal setting, supervision and evaluations for principal investigators and technical staff who support bioforensics.
• Works on extremely complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables.
• Prepares and/or reviews project plans, monthly reports, study reports, technical proposals, presentation materials, schedules, and other programmatic documents prior to their submission ensuring they are high quality, accurate, and address the requirements of the sponsor.
• Ability to act independently to determine methods and procedures on new assignments. Exercises autonomous judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results, with demonstrated success in leading multiple scientific teams.
• In collaboration with the Associate Lab Director, interfaces with external stakeholders including representatives from various Federal agencies to assess requirements, coordinate research, and provide briefings on recent accomplishments.
• Expert knowledge of scientific principles and concepts, with a reputation as an emerging leader in the field, with sustained performance and accomplishment recognized internally and externally through publications, sponsor feedback, and peer input.
• Attends conferences, workshops, meetings, training programs and benchmarks processes and operations to continually develop leadership, management, scientific and laboratory expertise.
• 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.
• Prepares necessary SOPs, work instructions, and other materials required to maintain the QMS under the ISO 17025 Standard.
• Maintains and evaluates records of analysis and reviews laboratory results. Provides analysis, opinions, interpretations, and issues 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.