Sr. Research Associate, Comparative Medicine (#1917)

Battelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Battelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC (BNBI) operates NBACC at Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, seeking an experienced animal technician to support comparative medicine staff in a high-containment environment. You will assist veterinarians, perform procedures, and help maintain SOPs and records.

The role requires a BS or MS in a scientific field with relevant experience, LAT certification preferred, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Strong teamwork and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a scientific discipline with 6+ years related experience, or a Master’s with 4+ years.
• Formal animal technician training or LAT certification.
• Experience with nonhuman primates and agricultural species desirable.
• Able to transport and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of biocontainment facilities and biosafety desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical coordination and training for Comparative Medicine staff.
• Assist Veterinarians with staffing estimates and status updates on projects.
• Perform veterinary procedures and post-operative care of research animals.
• May be appointed as a Lab Space Manager (LSM) or BSAT designee.
• Develop and update NBACC SOPs, work instructions and forms.
• Maintain records and ensure equipment performance.
• Collaborate with team and mentor personnel.
• Identify departures from the Quality Management System (QMS) and initiate corrective actions.

Skills

Animal handling

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Critical thinking

Laboratory proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science in a scientific discipline

Master's degree in a scientific discipline

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

• Assists in the day-to-day technical coordination and support of designated Comparative Medicine staff members. Provides training to new hires as well as cross training of existing staff.
• Assists the Comparative Medicine Veterinarian(s) in providing staffing estimates for projects while providing status updates on project support to Project Leads and Senior PIs as appropriate.
• Performs veterinary technical procedures including, but not limited to, monitoring animals for general health; administering medication; performing laboratory diagnostic procedures; administering anesthesia; collecting biological samples; performing minor surgical procedures; and providing pre- and post-operative care of research animals.
• May be appointed as a Lab Space Manager (LSM), and/or Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) designee.
• Willingness to adapt to new work assignments, and perform assignments outside area of expertise, while managing resources efficiently.
• Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative, while understanding the implications of work and making recommendations for solutions.
• Receives little instruction on daily work, general instructions on newly introduced assignments, and has the ability to mentor personnel within the group, while identifying and communicating promptly and with recommended solutions.
• 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.
• 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 test according to appropriate SOPs.
• Serves as a member of a team in developing, validating, and maintaining methods for identifying and characterizing biological threat agents.
• 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

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 6 years of related experience or a Master's degree and a minimum of 4 years of related experience.
• Formal animal technician training or AALAS certification at the LAT level.

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

• Experience with nonhuman primates and agricultural species (e.g., sheep, goats, and swine) is desirable.
• Able to transport and lift up to 50 pounds as part of routine laboratory job procedures and duties.
• Advanced scientific proficiency in laboratory functions. Possesses the ability to identify issues and recommend solutions to laboratory protocols, procedures, and experimental plans.
• 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.