Sr. Research Scientist, Aerobiology (#1898)

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.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

As a member of the NBACC Aerobiology Team, the Senior Research Scientist collaborates with an interdisciplinary group of scientists within the NBTCC to advance research focused on understanding factors influencing airborne transmission of pathogens needed to inform strategies to mitigate risks associated with their malicious use. Leveraging deep subject matter expertise in their scientific discipline, the Senior Research Scientist provides leadership across multiple projects, independently developing innovative approaches and methodologies to address complex challenges. Additionally, they play a critical role in mentoring and training staff to uphold the highest standards of data quality and scientific rigor.

Research is conducted in state-of-the-art biocontainment laboratories (BSL-2 through BSL-4) and encompasses a diverse range of topics. These include evaluating the performance of aerosol generation and sampling equipment, such as aerosol particle size measurement; characterizing the physicochemical and pathogenic properties of infectious biological aerosols to support transport and dispersion modeling; inhalation toxicology and exposure assessment; and assessing the efficacy of medical countermeasures in animal models of disease, including studies on respiratory drug delivery.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 10 years of related experience or a Master's degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience.
• Expertise in any of the following areas:
• Aerosol generation and characterization, including particle size measurement and evaluation of aerosol sampling equipment and methodologies.
• Techniques for studying factors that may influence the decay of microorganisms in aerosols.
• Inhalation toxicology, including conducting inhalation exposures in animal models of disease and characterizing disease progression post-exposure.
• Medical countermeasure evaluation, including assessing the efficacy of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, or small molecules, as well as the preparation and characterization of vaccines or therapeutics for respiratory delivery.
• Proficiency in statistics and data analysis techniques, along with experience in aerosol transport and dispersion modeling, is desirable.
• As a highly skilled specialist, contributes to the development of concepts and techniques of institutional significance.
• Demonstrates success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.
• Subject Matter Expert in their scientific discipline and is an institutional resource for multiple science projects.
• 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

• Leads the execution and data analysis for studies focused on understanding factors influencing airborne transmission of pathogens.
• Collaborates with other NBTCC scientists and external stakeholders to develop innovative approaches and methodologies to achieve study objectives.
• Mentors junior staff on techniques within the employee's area of expertise, including the proper operation, maintenance, and performance verification of equipment.
• Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new assignments.
• Often acts as a facilitator and team leader. Institutional resource and contributor in scientific field, safety, quality, and compliance.
• Anticipates issues and opportunities and proposes solutions with an institutional perspective.
• Works on problems of diverse scope in which analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Exercises independent judgment within defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Provides recommendations for new institutional policy and scientific milestones.
• 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.
• Directs, prioritizes, schedules, and provides technical expertise to staff to conduct work.
• With minimal supervision, operates, maintains, and characterizes the performance of the equipment ensuring the reagents and supplies are maintained and used properly.
• Develops techniques, prepares samples and performs tests according to appropriate SOPs.
• 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.