Assistant Principal Investigator, Aerobiology (#1913)

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the planning, design, hands-on execution, analysis, and reporting of aerobiology studies examining the generation, characterization, infectivity, persistence, and environmental decay of biological aerosols to inform risk assessments and customer requirements.
• Performs hands-on aerobiology laboratory work in high-containment environments, including preparation and execution of approved protocols, operation of aerosol generation and sampling systems, collection and processing of samples, use of related laboratory instrumentation, and documentation of experimental activities.
• Contributes to study design, method establishment, data acquisition, data analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of technical briefings, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners to design, evaluate, optimize, and validate novel aerobiology test systems, technologies, methodologies, equipment, and experimental approaches.
• Works effectively within matrixed, cross-functional research teams that may include Aerobiology, Microbiology, Comparative Medicine, Quality, Safety, Facilities, and other technical support staff.
• Applies scientific judgment and technical expertise to troubleshoot experimental challenges, evaluate data, resolve complex technical problems, and determine appropriate actions within defined procedures and practices.
• Formulates scientific hypotheses and demonstrates technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration, and independent thought in the design and conduct of aerobiology research.
• Provides technical direction, prioritization, scheduling support, training, and guidance to staff conducting laboratory research activities.
• Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to NBACC policies, procedures, and standards, including promoting consistent compliance with applicable biosafety, biosecurity, quality, security, and operational requirements among colleagues and team members.
• 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).
• 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.
• Exhibits teamwork, clear communication, openness to ideas, and patience with colleagues.
• Demonstrates the ability to multitask, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks in a complex, high containment environment.
• Is a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintaining flexibility, adapting to change productively, learning new concepts, and using critical thinking to resolve complex technical problems.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Performs other duties as assigned/authorized.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline and 0-4 years of related experience; may include post-doctoral experience.

• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered as substitution for the specific requirements outlined above.

• Relevant experience in ANY of the following areas:
• Assessment of the performance of aerosol sampling equipment and methodologies
• Assessment of the decay of biological aerosols as a function of environmental conditions, including effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Characterization of equipment for the generation of aerosols, including particle size measurement
• Inhalation toxicology and medical countermeasure evaluation in animal models of inhalational disease.
• 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).

SECURITY/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS  

• 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.