Staff Scientist 1

Amentum; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Tax-saving options

Disability and life insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Amentum invites applications for a Staff Scientist 1 in Downey, CA. The role focuses on molecular biology work, including DNA extraction and real-time PCR to characterize biological agents, while maintaining GLP and QA/QC standards.

Responsibilities include handling samples, maintaining CoC, data entry, equipment calibration, and safety PPE use. Weekend/holiday availability and DHS clearance are required.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in microbiology, molecular biology, or related field with bench experience; leadership experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree requires four years lab bench experience including team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Handle, receipt, and processing of daily samples containing biological threat agents.
• Perform real-time PCR to identify pathogenic agents.
• Maintain GLP and QA/QC compliance; document results.
• Decontaminate workspaces and PPE as required; follow safety SOPs.
• Maintain chain-of-custody (CoC) across samples and data.
• Data entry and routine equipment calibration in the lab.
• Restock and maintain inventory of lab supplies and equipment.
• Support BioWatch logistics and annual inventory activities.

Skills

PCR techniques

Lab safety

Team leadership

QA/QC

Education

PhD or MSc in microbiology or related

Laboratory bench experience outside academia

Tools

BioSafety Cabinets

Autoclave operation

Job description

Position Location: Downey, CA

Amentum is actively seeking applicants for Staff Scientist 1

Amentum Position Description:

The Staff 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.
  • Receiving samples may require extended walking to/from laboratory areas and upand/ordown several flights of stairs.
  • Samples may require being transferred from one area/cart/cooler to another, requiring staff to lift ~50-60 lbs.
  • Processing samples requires more than one (1) hour, but typically not to exceed four (4) hours, of repetitive motion (e.g. twisting/cutting/pipetting/gripping) on a regular, if not daily, basis.

• 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).
  • Laboratory workflow may occur in different laboratory areas(e.g., clean, high and low titer, under different conditions, such as BSL-2/BSL-3), utilizing a variety of biological safety cabinets (BSCs),and/orhoods (e.g.,laminar or dead air).
  • Laboratory work may require several PPE changes including, but not limited to, respiratory and full body protection (e.g.,Tyvek suit) and gloves,for extended periods of time, not to exceed four (4) hours.

• 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.
  • Necessitates decontamination of several rooms requiring extensive use of bleach and alcohol. For safety, proper PPE is required.

• 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.
  • May require lifting, stooping, reaching, carrying, and/or storing consumables, supplies, and/or equipment of various sizes, shapes, and/or weights up to 70 lbs.

• Supporting BioWatch Program logistics in conducting and documenting annual inventory (e.g., serial numbers, disposition, PO’s, packing slips, etc.) of DHS-procured durable equipment and property.
  • May require lifting, stooping, reaching, carrying, and/or transporting equipment and/or instruments to/from different laboratory areas and/or packaging instruments for service

• 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 BioWatch Laboratory QAPP
• Maintaining documentation of records demonstrating compliance with applicable training/retraining, competencies, document reviews
• Analyzing routine external QA samples in accordance with the BioWatch SOP’s and QA Program guidance
• Proper archiving, storage, and shipping of samples.
  • May require lifting, stooping, carrying, and/or storing of sample archives of varying sizes and weights up to 40 lbs.

• 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 Ph.D. or Master’s degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related course work in biological sciences with at least one (1) year of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic environment, utilizing PCR, aseptic techniques, and biological assays, and at least one (1) year of experience serving as a Senior Scientist or Team Leader of a laboratory team/project. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university requires four (4) years of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic environment, including at least one (1) year of experience as a Team Leader/Senior Scientist.
• Biological Safety Level (BSL)-3 experience is desirable.

Compensation Details:

$70K - $73K

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.

Original Posting:

10/27/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

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.