Research Assistant, Casework/Core

BACKGROUND

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 FUNCTION

Provide technical and laboratory experience to support Sample Processing activities, including the receipt, storage, and processing of bioforensic evidence in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 containment laboratories. Assists in document review including preparing, reviewing, and revising analytical plans, reports and other documents.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering and 0-4 years of related experience.
• Highly skilled in time management, organization, and attention to detail.
• Basic scientific proficiency in laboratory functions. Possesses the ability to identify issues with laboratory 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.
• 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 RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the receipt, accessioning, processing, storage and inventory of bioforensic casework. Interacts directly with Federal Law Enforcement when necessary.
• Helps maintain accurate casework records and documentation in a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) as well as other associated Sample Processing databases.
• Assists in preparing appropriate paperwork and help coordinate incoming and outgoing shipments of evidence or biological materials.
• May serve as a Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) designee.
• May be appointed as a Lab Space Manager (LSM) or otherwise required to help perform LSM duties when requested.
• Assists with coordination of the Hazardous Evidence Analysis Team (HEAT) visits.
• Responsible for the general laboratory upkeep and associated maintenance of equipment and labs and orders equipment/supplies when necessary.
• Becomes proficient in the use and operations of the Class III Glovebox with appropriate training.
• Supports additional projects and assignments to include assistance to NBFAC groups as needed.
• Assists Sample Processing activities in BSL-2, BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories with appropriate training.
• Participates in Sample Processing document review process for Sample Analysis Plans, Final Reports, MFR's, and other necessary documents when requested.
• Works on assignments that are routine in nature, requiring limited judgment. Has little or no role in decision making, normally receives detailed instructions on all work, works under close supervision, and knows when to request assistance.
• 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.
• With minimal supervision, operates, maintains, and characterizes the performance of the equipment ensuring the reagents and supplies are maintained and used properly.
• Serves as a member of a team in developing, validating, and maintaining methods for identifying and characterizing biological threat agents.
• 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.

BNBI prohibits discrimination and employs and advances individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status.