Laboratory Space Manager II (#1902)

Job Description

Job Description

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a unique facility located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD, dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Established in response to biodefense gaps identified after the Amerithrax attacks of 2001, NBACC has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006.

NBACC supports DHS and national biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization, and bioforensic analyses. It addresses critical scientific knowledge gaps regarding biological agents to protect the public and defend the nation against biological threats- whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate. NBACC also provides federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and the protection of the U.S. bioeconomy.

NBACC is comprised of two centers:

• National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC): Conducts technical analyses to support federal law enforcement investigations.
• National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC): Conducts experiments and studies to gather data for understanding biological vulnerabilities and hazards.

Together, these centers serve as a national resource for assessing risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies, informing biodefense policy and response planning, and supporting the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

As a member of Environmental Operations, the Laboratory Space Manager (LSM) plays a critical role in supporting the NBACC mission by serving as the primary point of contact for all equipment and space-related matters across multiple laboratories. The LSM is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and readiness of research and analytical laboratories and equipment. By ensuring the laboratories are properly equipped, maintained, and accessible, the LSM provides essential support to researchers and facilitates the successful execution of research and analysis activities.

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 4 years of related experience.
  • Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered as substitution for the specific requirements outlined above.
• Experience with biocontainment facilities (BSL-2 or BSL-3), laboratory safety, biosurety, and decontamination is desirable.
• Must possess a basic understanding of lab procedures and common lab equipment functions and have experience in coordinating or supporting equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety and biosafety concepts is required.
• Ability to work in laboratory environments up to BSL‑3, including use of required PPE and respiratory protection.
• Ability to lift, move, and transport up to 50 pounds.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, organization, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in accordance with NBACC’s management system and Quality Management System (QMS), and to author or revise SOPs, work instructions, and forms related to space management and equipment coordination.
• Experience using electronic systems such as a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or similar tools (training provided as needed).
• 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.

• Supports scientists by managing the operational lifecycle of common laboratory equipment (e.g., biological safety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators) by tracking preventive maintenance schedules, scheduling service, coordinating decontamination, and documenting maintenance in LIMS and other designated systems. For complex or specialized research instruments, coordinate logistics and scheduling of service based on guidance from scientists.
• Maintains laboratory readiness by conducting regular walkthroughs to verify housekeeping and clutter control, ensuring egress routes, eyewash stations, safety showers, and critical equipment remain unobstructed, and confirming proper chemical storage, inventory, and disposal in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Acts as the representative for Facility Use Agreements (FUAs), ensuring suite-specific biosafety manuals are current, accurately reflect activities and configurations, and are updated in response to changes in research, occupancy, or equipment.
• Coordinates non-research activities within assigned spaces, including scheduling and escorting vendors and field service engineers, while ensuring compliance with biosafety, security, and FUA requirements.
• Supports researchers by managing the annual equipment lifecycle by gathering equipment status (e.g., biological safety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators), tracking preventive maintenance, scheduling service, gathering vendor information, and documenting maintenance. For specialized instruments, coordinates logistics and service scheduling based on researcher guidance.
• Manages access to assigned suites in collaboration with science and security programs, conducting periodic reviews and initiating changes as personnel roles or space configurations evolve.
• Conducts suite orientations for staff, covering entry exit procedures, equipment use expectations and restrictions, approved activities, and space-specific constraints.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of NBACC biosafety, biosecurity, laboratory safety policies, and the current edition of the BMBL to assess whether proposed activities align with the capabilities and constraints of assigned spaces.
• Coordinates and supports internal and external inspections and audits by scheduling, escorting inspectors, and facilitating timely response, documentation, and resolution of findings.
• Supports NBACC’s Quality Management System (QMS) by monitoring compliance in assigned spaces, documenting and resolving space- and equipment-related nonconformances, and developing and maintaining SOPs, work instructions, and forms.
• Coordinates document review and approval with Biosafety, Security, Quality, researchers, and leadership as needed.
• Collaborates as part of a team of Laboratory Space Managers, collectively supporting all laboratory spaces and providing cross coverage as required.
• Maintains regular communication with researchers and other users of assigned spaces to anticipate needs, resolve issues, and provide updates on space and equipment status.
• Demonstrates effective teamwork, clear communication, openness to feedback, and the ability to de-escalate situations and work constructively with colleagues.
• 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.