Associate Scientist 1

Amentum•Jacksonville, FL

1d•$60,000 - $64,000•Onsite

About The Position

Amentum is seeking an Associate Scientist 1 to perform laboratory operations in Jacksonville, Florida, in accordance with standard operating procedures. The role handles, receives, and processes operational, quality assurance, verification, proficiency, and other samples that may contain biological threat agents. Work includes non-research biological science using microbiological and molecular techniques, currently including DNA extraction and real-time PCR to identify and characterize pathogenic bacterial and viral agents. The analytical methods and technologies may change over the contract’s life. The position performs work in multiple laboratory areas and conditions, including BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments, and may use biological safety cabinets, laminar hoods, or dead-air hoods. Duties also include preparing reagents and samples; decontaminating workspaces, equipment, and laboratory rooms; maintaining chain of custody; interpreting results independently; entering data; calibrating and maintaining equipment; conducting QA/QC testing; managing biohazardous waste; maintaining supplies and inventories; archiving, storing, and shipping samples; and maintaining required records and competencies. The employee supports BioWatch Program logistics, including inventory of DHS-procured equipment and property, and prepares technical reports and recommendations for the Lead Biological Scientist. The role requires adherence to laboratory quality systems, SOPs, applicable regulations, safety and security requirements, and government-facility policies. A DHS Suitability security clearance must be obtained and maintained. Work involves extended walking, stairs, repetitive motions, and lifting or transporting samples, waste, supplies, and equipment. PPE may include respiratory and full-body protection, and may be required for extended periods. Scheduled workdays include weekends and holidays, and the employee must be present for all hours of the workday and available 24/7/365 in emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related biological sciences coursework.
At least one year of laboratory bench experience outside an academic environment.
Experience utilizing PCR, aseptic techniques, and biological assays.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a DHS Suitability security clearance.
Ability to perform independent analysis and accurately complete work.
Ability to follow written procedures and applicable safety, security, regulatory, and dress-code requirements.
Ability to work scheduled weekends and holidays and be available 24/7/365 for emergencies.
Ability to perform physical tasks described in the posting, including extended walking, climbing stairs, repetitive motions, and lifting or carrying items of varying weights.

Nice To Haves

Biological Safety Level (BSL)-3 experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

Handle, receive, and process daily operational, QA, verification, and proficiency test samples that may contain biological threat agents.
Perform non-research biological science work using microbiological and molecular techniques, including DNA extraction and real-time PCR.
Prepare reagents and samples.
Decontaminate laboratory workspaces, biological safety cabinets, hoods, equipment, and other items used in processing and analysis.
Maintain chain-of-custody documentation.
Independently interpret results and enter data into computerized or computer-linked systems.
Calibrate, clean, assemble, and maintain equipment in multiple laboratory areas.
Collect, process, and analyze internal laboratory swipes and swabs for QA/QC and contamination monitoring.
Dispose of biohazardous waste and, when required, collect waste from BSL-2/BSL-3 areas and load or unload the autoclave.
Restock supplies and maintain inventory, including par levels, stock rotation, and expiration dates.
Support BioWatch Program logistics by conducting and documenting annual inventories of DHS-procured equipment and property.
Perform QA/QC and acceptance testing of reagents according to applicable SOPs and the Laboratory Operations QAPP.
Follow QA/QC requirements under the Public Health Laboratory quality management systems and BioWatch Laboratory QAPP.
Maintain records demonstrating compliance with training and retraining, competencies, and document reviews.
Analyze routine external QA samples according to BioWatch SOPs and QA Program guidance.
Archive, store, and ship samples properly.
Follow written procedures and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, safety, security, dress-code, and government-facility policies.
Prepare written and oral technical reports, answer questions, and make recommendations to the Lead Biological Scientist for comprehensive reports.
Demonstrate competency in testing methodologies, evaluate potential products and processes against environmental backgrounds, and meet established deadlines.
Work scheduled weekends and holidays, be present throughout all work hours, and remain available 24/7/365 for emergencies.