BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Its work supports DHS and National biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization and bioforensic analyses. It is the first national laboratory created by DHS in response to biodefense gaps identified following the Amerithrax attacks of 2001 and has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006. Since its inception, NBACC and its staff have filled critical shortfalls in our scientific knowledge of biological agents needed to protect the public and defend the Nation from biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate and provided federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and protection of the US bioeconomy.

NBACC includes two centers: the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts the technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts experiments and studies to obtain data required for a better understanding of biological vulnerabilities and hazards. Together these centers offer a unique national resource for understanding the risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies to inform biodefense policy and response planning and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Member of the Health and Safety team providing BNBI staff with resources necessary (i.e., training, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), subject matter expertise) to conduct work in a safe and secure manner. Supports development of Health & Safety and Biosecurity programs necessary for safe/secure operations inside BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 environments. Works with multidisciplinary teams responsible for ensuring successful operation and continuing certification of the NBACC Laboratory.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences (or related degree) and 3-5 years experience in a biological safety role. Graduate degree in biological sciences and/or biosafety credentials (RBP, CBSP) preferred.
* Ability to analyze workflow allowing identification of areas where biosafety/biosecurity concerns need to be mitigated and development of streamlined methods for supporting completion of the task in a safe/secure manner. Able to efficiently use the MS Office suite of software for use in the analysis and report of data. Work environment is heavily "deadline" dependent so the ability to work in high stress environments while maintaining a high level of attention to detail is necessary along with an in-depth understanding of working in a service organization while being able to preserve procedural integrity. Ability to work under multiple deadlines and the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing demands.
* Ability to effectively interface with client (DHS) and BNBI staff members at all levels up to and including the Laboratory Director.
* Must be highly detail oriented, organized, and dependable.
* Must be able to work independently with limited guidance to complete assigned tasks.
* Eligibility and/or certification as CBSP, or RBP with a thorough knowledge of appropriate regulations and standards, such as those set forth in the Federal Select Agent Program and Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories.
* Experience in the development and management of health and safety programs as well as interpretation of regulatory requirements in a research environment.
* Comprehension of the technical aspects of research operations and knowledge of safe research practices for handling biological and chemical agents.
* Ability to carry out the physical aspects (i.e., entry into biological containment laboratories) of the position while wearing a full range of protective clothing and equipment.
* Requires successful completion of occupational medicine requirements, including respirator medical clearance, etc.
* 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 and suitability for DHS.
* Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and/or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) may be required, dependent upon position and/or business needs.
* May be required to participate in NBACC's alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule, dependent upon business needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Performs safety related inspections for work conducted in A/BSL-2, A/BSL-3, A/BSL-4, and building operating areas.
* Conducts investigations of mishaps to include root cause analysis and corrective action.
* Performs risk assessment and hazard analysis pertaining to persons enrolling in the Special Immunization Program.
* Conducts safety training for staff, subcontractors, and visitors.
* Serves as the Respiratory Protection Administrator.
* Participates in institutional Personal Protective Equipment management.
* Maintains record management for (PRP) and Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) program.
* Serves as an Emergency Manager.
* Supports safety-related validation processes (such as EDS, autoclave, VHP).
* Updates, edits, and approves pertinent (SOPs) for biosafety and biosecurity processes.
* Implements biosecurity processes within the laboratory.
* Must be a team player, communicate clearly, be open to hearing ideas and suggestions from others, diffuse situations, 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 assigned duties.

BNBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.