Rebecca Lopez

Interested candidates can apply to this opening here. The general careers page for the NBACC is here. If you have questions, please reach out to 2008 CAMB MVP alum Dr. Louis Altamura:

Louis Altamura, Ph.D.
Senior Principal Investigator – Virology
National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC)
Operated by Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) for DHS

Full Time
Fort Detrick, MD, US

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) federal laboratory sponsored by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC (BNBI).

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Responsible for designing and executing multi-disciplinary research studies in the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC) at the NBACC which address specific scientific questions of national significance in support of biodefense preparedness, response, and recovery. Research may include a range of topics related to the physical, biological, molecular and/or pathogenic properties of Biosafety Level 2, 3, and 4 viral agents. In particular, this position will involve maintaining and expanding NBTCC capabilities to execute research efforts involving molecular virology, eukaryotic genomic editing, sequencing and bioinformatics, and/or the study of systems level virus-host interactions.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and a minimum of 2 years related experience; may include post-doctoral experience.
• Ability 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.
• 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 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, 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.
• Participation 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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leverages subject matter expertise to maintain and expand NBTCC capabilities to execute research efforts involving molecular virology, eukaryotic genome editing, sequencing and bioinformatics, and/or the study of systems level virus-host interactions.
• Performs laboratory research on a wide range of viral agents that may include application of viral reverse genetics systems, analysis of viral and/or host gene or protein expressions, assessment of agent persistence in the environment, and assessment of virulence/pathogenesis of viral agents in animal models.
• Designs, implements, and leads virology related research projects aimed at addressing current biological threat characterization knowledge gaps, to include development of project plans, oversight of project teams, completion of deliverables within time and budget constraints, and compliance with all relevant regulatory and sponsor requirements.
• Prepares technical reports and proposals, presentation materials, safety plans, schedules and other programmatic documents prior to their submission ensuring that are high quality, accurate, and address the requirements of the sponsor.
• Maintains and awareness of scientific and programmatically-relevant trends, particularly those related to viral threat agents.
• Maintains accurate and complete records, compiles and accurately analyzes data, and present research results in written and oral formats clearly and concisely.
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple parallel laboratory activities and communicate the prioritization of these activities to stakeholders is essential.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment where results are achieved through incorporation of multiple points of view.
• Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Ability to formulate difficult science hypotheses and demonstrated success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought, with the possibility to be a technical project lead on multiple projects.
• May determine methods and procedures on new assignments, while mentoring subordinates and/or technical personnel.
• 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.
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