Sr. Research Associate, Mass Spectrometry (#1901)

BNBI; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NBACC at Fort Detrick conducts advanced mass spectrometry to identify toxins in forensic samples, supporting national biodefense. The role develops and validates MS methods, operates MALDI TOF and Orbitrap systems, and ensures accurate LIMS documentation.

You’ll mentor staff, draft SOPs, and lead projects with a strong emphasis on safety and quality. The position requires a scientific degree with substantial MS experience, proficiency in data analysis tools, and the ability to adapt to diverse

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline with 6+ years related experience or a Master’s with 4+ years experience.
• Experience with mass spectrometry instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS and MALDI TOF; proteomics/metabolomics experience desirable.
• Experience with sample preparation techniques (protein digestion, SDS-PAGE, solid phase extraction, liquid-liquid extraction).
• Ability to analyze and interpret mass spectrometry data using tools such as Proteome Discoverer, Compound Discoverer, MassHunter, Skyline, MaxQuant, FragPipe and MS-Dial; Python/R a plus.
• Advanced scientific proficiency in laboratory functions; ability to identify issues and improve protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develops, validates, and conducts MS methods and assays for identifying biological threat agents and toxins.
• Operates and maintains MALDI TOF, UPLC, nanoLC, triple quadrupole, and Orbitrap mass spectrometers.
• Drafts SOPs and protocols; mentors staff on safe procedures and LIMS documentation.
• Leads MS projects and improves technical and team results.
• Maintains accurate LIMS records and supports QA/QMS improvements.
• May serve as Lab Space Manager or BSAT designee.
• Adapts to new assignments and prioritizes tasks under pressure.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Data interpretation

Informatics tools

Python/R

Communication

Project mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

LC-MS/MS

MALDI TOF

UPLC

Orbitrap

SOPs

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.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Conducts mass spectrometry methods to support research and bioforensic casework using LC‑MS/MS and MADLI TOF instruments to identify and characterize protein and small‑molecular weight biological toxins in samples for the NBFAC. Develops, executes and evaluates mass spectrometry methods for the identification and characterization of toxins in forensic samples under the ISO 17025 Standard.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 6 years related experience or a Master's degree and a minimum of 4 years of experience.
• Experience with mass spectrometry instrumentation such as LC‑MS/MS and MALDI TOF. Proteomics and/or metabolomics experience is highly desirable.
• Experience with sample preparation techniques such as protein digestion, SDS‑PAGE, solid phase and liquid‑liquid extraction.
• Ability to analyze and interpret mass spectrometry data using informatics tools such as Proteome Discoverer, Compound Discoverer, MassHunter, Skyline, MaxQuant, FragPipe and MS‑Dial. Proficiency with computer languages such as R or Python will be a plus.
• 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).
• 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

• Participates in the development, validation, and conduct of mass spectrometry methods and assays for identifying and characterizing biological threat agents including proteins and small molecular weight toxins.
• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots lab equipment such as MALDI TOF, UPLC, nanoLC, triple quadrupole and orbitrap mass spectrometers.
• Develops protocols, troubleshoots instrumentation issues, task‑specific procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Serves as a lead on mass spectrometry projects who anticipates issues and identifies opportunities to improve technical and team results.
• Maintains accurate records of the processing and analysis in a computerized Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Serves as a mentor who trains technical staff members on safe and compliant procedures for BSL‑2 laboratory access, toxin analysis of bioforensic samples and process documentation in LIMS.
• 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 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.
• Must be a team player, communicate clearly, be open to hearing ideas and suggestions from others, 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.