Scientific Intern (#1838)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility 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.

DURATION: 3-6 Months

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Interns selected for this position will work with senior scientists within NBFAC and NBTCC to conduct experiments, perform analyses, and develop new scientific capabilities.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Associate's degree (or equivalent experience) is preferred. Must be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in chemistry, biology, computer science, mathematics, or a related field of science or engineering.
* Highly skilled in time management, organization, and attention to detail.
* Ability to successfully demonstrate technical proficiency, scientific creativity, and accountability.
* Self-motivated with the ability to function both independently and collaboratively using independent thought.
* Basic proficiency in laboratory procedures and laboratory equipment functions.
* 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

* Performs scientific analyses/experiments in conjunction with technicians/scientists to support NBFAC/NBTCC projects.
* Will learn how to identify issues with laboratory equipment, communicate equipment status to the appropriate manager, and assist in coordination of equipment repair.
* Responsible for assisting in general laboratory upkeep that includes daily, weekly, and monthly activities for a variety of laboratory equipment, including both hands-on tasks as well as accurate and thorough record keeping in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
* Maintains security as required for all sensitive For Official Use Only (FOUO) and classified materials as appropriate.
* Completes assigned training programs and adheres to all QMS requirements, documented laboratory procedures and ISO 17025, as applicable.
* Assists with moderately complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
* Consults with staff to determine methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
* 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.
* Helps to identify departures from the Quality Management System (QMS) and initiates actions to investigate and prevent such occurrences.
* Assists with analysis, opinions and interpretation, and drafts reports for review.
* While under supervision, assists in operating, maintaining, and characterizing the performance of the equipment in order to ensure that the reagents and supplies are maintained and used properly.
* Serves as a member of a team in shadowing the development, validation, and maintenance of methods for identifying and characterizing biological threat agents.
* Contributes to the development, optimization, and validation of new or modified methods and procedures.
* Supports the preparation of necessary SOPs, work instructions and other materials required to maintain the QMS under the ISO 17025 Standard.
* 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 assigned duties.

BNBI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.