Associate Principal Investigator, Virology (#1910)

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

• Leverages subject matter expertise to maintain and expand institutional virology capabilities to execute research efforts that may involve but are not limited to molecular virology, synthetic biology, eukaryotic genome editing, sequencing and bioinformatics, and/or systems level virus-host interactions.
• Designs, implements, and leads virology related research projects aimed at addressing current biological threat characterization knowledge gaps, to include development of project plans, oversight of project teams, completion of deliverables within time and budget constraints, and compliance with all relevant legal, policy, regulatory and program requirements.
• Performs laboratory research on a wide range of viral agents that may include application of viral reverse genetics systems, analysis of viral and/or host gene or protein expression, assessment of agent persistence in the environment, and assessment of virulence/ pathogenesis of viral agents in animal models.
• Prepares technical reports and proposals, presentation materials, safety plans, schedules and other programmatic documents, ensuring that they are high quality, accurate, and address the requirements of the sponsor.
• Contributes to efforts to maintain and expand NBTCC capabilities to execute research efforts that may include molecular virology, eukaryotic genome editing, sequencing and bioinformatics, and/or the study of systems level virus-host interactions.
• Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Willingness to work on problems of diverse scope in which analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors, with expert knowledge of complex scientific principles and concepts.
• May determine methods and procedures on new assignments, while mentoring subordinates and/or technical personnel.
• 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.
• Provides analysis, opinions and interpretation, and issues reports.
• Develops, optimizes and validates new or modified methods and procedures.
• Ensures competence of staff to operate specific equipment or perform test (may issue Authorizations).
• Maintains and evaluates records of analysis and reviews laboratory results, plans and reports.
• Ensures that equipment, reagents and supplies are maintained and used properly.
• Directs, prioritizes, schedules, and provides technical expertise to staff to conduct work.
• 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

• Requires a PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 4 years of related experience.

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

• Requires expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Proficiency in molecular virology techniques such as viral genome sequencing, PCR/RT-qPCR, viral and/or host gene expression analysis, reverse genetics systems, and/or CRISPR genome modification.
  • Experience with recombinant molecular biology methods (e.g., pseudovirions, virus-like particles, bacterial/mammalian heterologous expression systems, or synthetic gene assembly techniques.
  • Conducting laboratory research with viral agents encompassing proficiency in virus production methodologies, quantification assays (e.g., TCID₅₀ and plaque assay), and other cell-based viral infection assays (e.g., immunofluorescent staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays [ELISA]).
  • Experience with in vivo and/or ex vivo (e.g., ID₅₀/LD₅₀ studies of infectious agents, organoid/MPS systems, etc.).
• 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.