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 intelligence assessments, preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization and bioforensic analyses. It is the first national laboratory created by DHS in response to 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 defend the public from acts of terrorism.

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

The President/Laboratory Director provides leadership and executive management of NBACC with oversight of the strategic direction and execution of mission-related activities within the NBTCC and NBFAC. The Director is directly accountable for safe, secure, and compliant operations in a highly regulated biocontainment environment.

The President/Laboratory Director also serves as the President of BNBI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Battelle Memorial Institute created for the sole purpose of managing and operating the NBACC. In this capacity, the Laboratory Director will work with the BNBI Board and its Committees, DHS, and local, state, federal and local community leaders to ensure the success of the Lab’s mission and strategy.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven executive leadership in a complex research and development (R&D) environment with a PhD (or equivalent such as an MD or DVM) in an appropriate scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership with the ability to develop and build consensus around compelling vision and strategy aligned with DHS, FBI, and broad national security priorities.
• Adept at managing programs sponsored by multiple agencies with diverse interests.
• Demonstrated knowledge of national security mission objectives, operational concepts and requirements, strategies, resources, as well as systems and technologies.
• National perspective of a dynamic, rapidly changing research environment, gained through experience managing R&D programs, applicable to biodefense and bioforensics strategic capabilities.
• Proven executive experience managing high hazard operations and facilities with experience in biocontainment operations preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• 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 and suitability for DHS.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implements lab-wide strategies and plans in support of the DHS and other national security strategies, missions, visions, and goals. Inspires and engages staff and resources in formulating and implementing a strategic vision and ensuring the achievement of strategic outcomes. This includes providing leadership that enables the identification and pursuit of new opportunities in areas where the Lab can leverage its unique and evolving scientific expertise and capabilities to enhance NBACC’s broader missions.
• Ensures simultaneous excellence in science and engineering mission, operations, and community engagement with integrity and a strong commitment to and engagement with staff, and local and extended communities.
• Achieves excellence in operations to include annual planning, program execution, safety, security, facility management, financial operations, human resources, environmental management, and information systems management. Ensures all program activities are in accordance with current and applicable rules, regulations, guidelines, and policies as they pertain to laboratory operations for use of select agents, biosafety, human use, animal use and other relevant requirements.
• Delegates responsibility and authority, sets goals for, and evaluates the performance of the NBACC leadership team.
• Demonstrates leadership and commitment to organizational values including environment, safety and health, equal opportunity, inclusion and workforce diversity, quality management, a respectful and supportive work environment, and respect for the community and stakeholder representatives.
• Enhances cooperation and collaboration in mutually beneficial ways among NBACC, DHS, FBI, and appropriate federal and state agencies.
• Maintains appropriate records.

BNBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.