Associate Scientist 1

Amentum•Jacksonville, FL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Amentum is seeking an Associate Scientist 1 to support the BioWatch Program in Jacksonville, Florida. The role performs non-research biological science work in accordance with standard operating procedures, using microbiological and molecular techniques—including DNA extraction and real-time PCR—to identify and characterize pathogenic bacterial and viral agents. Work may take place in multiple laboratory areas under different conditions, including BSL-2 and BSL-3, and may involve biological safety cabinets and other hoods. The methods and technologies used may change over the life of the contract. The position handles daily operational, quality assurance, verification, proficiency, and other samples that may contain biological threat agents. Work includes sample receipt and processing, reagent preparation, result interpretation, data entry, quality control activities, equipment maintenance, decontamination, inventory, waste disposal, and sample archiving and shipping. The role requires maintaining chain-of-custody and accurate records, following quality systems and applicable procedures, and preparing technical reports and recommendations for the Lead Biological Scientist. The work has significant physical and safety requirements. Duties may involve extended walking and stair use; lifting items weighing up to 70 pounds; repetitive hand and arm motions; handling biohazardous waste; and wearing respiratory and full-body protective equipment for periods of up to four hours. The position requires scheduled workdays that include weekends and holidays, presence for all work hours, and availability 24/7/365 for emergencies. A DHS Suitability security clearance must be obtained and maintained.

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.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Suitability security clearance.
Ability to perform the physical and laboratory duties described, including lifting items weighing up to 70 pounds, repetitive motions, and wearing required personal protective equipment.
Ability to follow written procedures and accepted practices and comply with applicable regulations, safety, security, and dress code policies.
Ability to independently analyze and interpret results and accurately perform work.
Availability to work scheduled weekends and holidays and to be available 24/7/365 in case of emergency.

Nice To Haves

Biological Safety Level (BSL)-3 experience.

Responsibilities

Receive, handle, and process daily operational, quality assurance, 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 to identify and characterize pathogenic bacterial and viral agents.
Prepare reagents and samples in accordance with applicable procedures.
Maintain chain-of-custody and interpret results independently.
Enter data using computerized or computer-linked systems.
Perform routine equipment calibration, cleaning, assembly, and maintenance across multiple laboratory areas.
Collect, process, and analyze internal laboratory swipes and swabs for QA/QC and contamination monitoring.
Decontaminate workspaces, biological safety cabinets, hoods, air boxes, equipment, and other items associated with laboratory processing and analysis.
Dispose of biohazardous waste, including collecting waste from BSL-2/BSL-3 areas and loading and unloading the autoclave as needed.
Restock and maintain supply inventory, including par levels, stock rotation, and expiration dates.
Support BioWatch Program logistics by conducting and documenting annual inventories of DHS-procured durable equipment and property.
Perform QA/QC and acceptance testing of reagents in accordance with SOPs and the Laboratory Operations QAPP.
Follow quality requirements under the Public Health Laboratory quality management systems and the BioWatch Laboratory QAPP.
Maintain records demonstrating compliance with training and retraining, competencies, and document reviews.
Analyze routine external QA samples in accordance with BioWatch SOPs and QA Program guidance.
Archive, store, and ship samples properly.
Follow written procedures and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, safety and security policies, and dress code requirements, including DHS safeguarding requirements for sensitive but unclassified information at Government facilities.
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 for all scheduled work hours, and remain available 24/7/365 for emergencies.