Associate Scientist 1

Amentum; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement benefits (401(k) matching)

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Tax-saving options

Disability and life insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Amentum is actively seeking an Associate Scientist 1 in Richmond, CA to perform routine biological testing, DNA extraction and real-time PCR under SOPs and QA/QC programs.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related field and at least one year of lab bench experience; BSL-3 experience is desirable, and DHS clearance is required. Weekend/holiday work may be required. Compensation is $70,000–$71,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or related biological sciences.
• At least 1 year of lab bench experience outside academia using PCR and aseptic techniques.
• BSL-3 experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Handle, receipt, and processing of daily samples containing potential biological agents.
• Perform DNA extraction and real-time PCR to identify organisms.
• Prepare reagents and samples; maintain CoC documentation.
• Maintain QA/QC and compliance with SOPs and QA programs.
• Adhere to safety, PPE, and DHS security requirements; routine equipment calibration.

Skills

PCR techniques

Aseptic techniques

Lab bench experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related field

Tools

Real-time PCR

Job description

Primary Location: Richmond, CA

Amentum is actively seeking applicants for Associate Scientist 1

Amentum Position Description:

The Associate Scientist 1 shall perform, at a minimum, the following tasks and responsibilities in accordance with standard operating procedures:

Must be able to obtain/maintain a DHS Suitability security clearance

• Handling, receipt, and processing of daily operational, Quality Assurance, verification and proficiency test samples potentially containing biological threat agents.

• Performing non-research biological science work utilizing microbiological and molecular techniques, which currently includes DNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) to identify and characterize pathogenic bacterial and viral agents (analytical methods and technologies may change over the life of the contract).

• Preparing reagents and samples -same as above

• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

• Decontamination of workspaces, including Biological safety cabinets, hoods/air boxes, equipment, and other items associated with processing and analysis activities.

• Maintaining chain-of-custody (CoC)

• Interpretation of results - must be capable of independent analysis

• Data entry utilizing computerized or computer-linked systems

• Performing routine equipment calibration, cleaning, assembly, and maintenance in multiple lab areas

• Collecting, processing, and analyzing internal laboratory swipes/swabs for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and contamination monitoring located across multiple lab areas

• Proper disposal of bio-hazardous waste.

• May require lifting, stooping, reaching, carrying, and/or storing biohazard waste of different sizes and/or weights up to 40 lbs.

• May require collecting multiple bags from BSL-2/BSL-3 areas and loading and unloading the autoclave machine when completed. For safety, proper PPE is required.

• Restocking and maintaining proper inventory (e.g., par levels, rotation of stock, expiration dates, etc.,) of necessary supplies.

• Supporting customer logistics in conducting and documenting annual inventory (e.g., serial numbers, disposition, PO’s, packing slips, etc.) of DHS-procured durable equipment and property.

• QA/QC and acceptance testing of reagents in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the Laboratory Operations Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP)

• Adhering to QA/QC requirements in accordance with the Public Health Laboratory quality management systems and the customer laboratory QAPP

• Maintaining documentation of records demonstrating compliance with applicable training/retraining, competencies, document reviews

• Analyzing routine external QA samples in accordance with the customer SOP’s and QA Program guidance

• Proper archiving, storage, and shipping of samples.

• Demonstrating ability to follow and adhere to written procedures and accepted practices in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, safety, security and dress code policies, procedures, and guidelines, including DHS Safeguarding Sensitive but Unclassified (For Official Use Only) Information (January 2005) when visiting or working at Government facilities

• Preparing written and oral technical reports, answering questions, and making recommendations to the Lead Biological Scientist for inclusion in comprehensive reports

• Accurately performing work with confidence

• Demonstrating competency in various testing methodologies (e.g., multi-center studies), evaluating potential products and processes against unique environmental backgrounds, and meeting established deadlines

• Scheduled workdays include weekends and holidays

Must be present for all hours of the workday, and be available 24/7/365 in case of emergency

Position Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related course work in biological sciences, and at least one (1) year of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic environment, utilizing PCR, aseptic techniques, and biological assays.

• Biological Safety Level (BSL)-3 experience is desirable.

Compensation Details:

$70,000 - $71,000

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.