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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
- Leads research projects that address knowledge gaps related to aerosol transmission of infectious disease, to include planning, safety, regulatory compliance, execution, reporting and project related assignments to technical staff.
- Proactively identifies project risks, risk mitigations, and takes action to address technical, schedule, and/or budgetary risks encountered during assigned projects.
- Assists in the maintenance of aerobiology facilities and equipment, assists in the continuous evaluation and improvement of experimental processes utilized in aerobiology projects, and provides technical leadership in evaluation of new equipment to enhance NBACC capabilities.
- Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with scientists and other researchers and support staff to foster the formation of successful project teams.
- Collaborates both internally and externally with other scientists and participates in the review of prior and on-going studies.
- Presents research results in written and oral formats clearly and concisely to sponsors, stakeholders, external partners and in open meetings or publications as approved by the sponsor.
- Works on complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
- Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
- Willingness to act independently to determine methods and procedures on new assignments, while overseeing and managing the scientific or administrative activities of subordinates and /or technical personnel.
- Advanced knowledge of scientific principles and concepts, with a reputation as an emerging leader in the field, with sustained performance and accomplishment recognized internally and externally through publications, sponsor feedback, and peer input.
- 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 a minimum of 6 years of related experience.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered as substitution for the specific requirements outlined above.
- Must possess demonstrable technical expertise in one or more of the following: respiratory disease, animal models of respiratory disease, expertise in relevant biological pathogens that can cause respiratory disease, and/or aerosol science.
- Experience presenting results of research, in both oral and written formats, to audiences with varying ranges of technical expertise, as demonstrated by a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional meetings.
- Experience leading a project team, including the scientific and administrative activities of subordinate technical personnel, and tasks being performed by subcontractors.
- Highly skilled in laboratory methodologies and procedures. Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving abilities. Possesses technical knowledge needed to identify issues and recommend solutions to improve laboratory procedures and experimental plans.
- Must demonstrate technical proficiency, scientific creativity and accountability, while collaborating with others using independent thought.
- 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.
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BNBI
112880.61 To 186498.39 (USD) Annually
Oct 07, 2026