Job DescriptionJob DescriptionBACKGROUND
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 FUNCTIONAs part of the NBACC Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, supports the NBFAC by establishing and executing sequencing-based laboratory methods to support characterization of complex metagenomic samples, as well as bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic biological agents, including those that have been genetically engineered.MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSRequires a PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and 0-4 years of related experience; may include post-doctoral experience.Experience with using genomics- and bioinformatics-based approaches to answer complex questions is essential.Experience with a variety of different sequencing technologies (e.g., Illumina, Pacific Biosciences, Oxford Nanopore Technologies) is desirable.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 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 RESPONSIBILITIESAssists in managing signature cross-contamination control measures and environmental surveillance within laboratory spaces.Performs genomics-based work in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 containment laboratories with appropriate training.Executes modular automated workflows for genomic sequencing analysis, including metagenomic analysis, assembly, annotation, and genotyping.Works with other PIs and NBACC management to define both long- and short-term strategies for advancing genomic applications in biodefense.Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Receives no instruction on routine work and general instruction on new assignments. Willingness to work on problems of diverse scope in which analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors, with expert knowledge of complex scientific principles and concepts.Willingness to formulate scientific hypothesis and demonstrate technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought. 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.Provides analysis, opinions and interpretation, and issues reports.Develops, optimizes and validates new or modified methods and procedures.Ensures competence of staff to operate specific equipment or perform tests (may issue Authorizations).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, 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.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.
