Biologist/ Bioinformatics Scientist

Battelle • FORT BELVOIR, VA

10d • $90,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking a full-time Biologist / Bioinformatics Scientist in Fort Belvoir, VA. This role supports the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) Technical Reachback Division, providing 24/7 CBRNE technical and analytical decision support. The candidate will contribute subject matter expertise in bioinformatics, epidemiology, and/or microbiology to assist government agencies, Combatant Commands, and first responders with CBRNE planning, operations, and post-event analyses. The position requires shift work and offers the opportunity to contribute to national security missions through modeling, simulation, and scientific advisory support.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in bioinformatics, epidemiology, and/or microbiology with 1–3 years of relevant experience
• Subject matter expertise in at least one of the following: bioinformatics, epidemiology, or microbiology, with application to CBRNE or biomedical defense contexts
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including technical presentation capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and graphic visualization tools
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to work across scientific and operational communities
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically, with potential for international travel
• Must be a US citizen.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Current DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Experience combating WMD threats through modeling, simulation, and/or testing
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS tools in an operational environment
• Experience with public health threats such as COVID-19, Ebola, pandemic influenza, emerging infectious agents, and biological warfare agents
• Prior experience working with Department of Defense organizations on WMD-related issues, or with agencies such as HHS, CDC, or similar federal entities

Responsibilities

• Providing CBRNE biological decision support and technical reachback capabilities to Combatant Commands (COCOMs), the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Joint Staff (JS), the Intelligence Community (IC), first responders, and federal, state, and local government organizations in accordance with DoD directives
• Developing, integrating, testing, verifying, validating, and applying CBRNE software and scenario models based on experimental results and theoretical and computational methods
• Presenting modeling results and decision support materials to internal and external customers through written reports and oral presentations
• Providing subject matter expertise (SME) in bioinformatics, epidemiology, and/or microbiology to implement and sustain functional capabilities within DTRA Reachback
• Reviewing current research across diverse subject areas to assess relevance and applicability to ongoing projects
• Evaluating new experimental data for quality and relevance; providing biomedical defense SME in hazard prediction modeling involving CBRNE phenomena
• Working closely with scientists and engineers to define modeling objectives and obtain, verify, and validate required model inputs and outputs
• Attending technical and programmatic meetings to coordinate responses from the scientific community and review assembled materials for accuracy, consistency, and completeness
• Reviewing the technical work of other team members to ensure quality and rigor
• Shift work is required

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule allowing for every other Friday off
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution (5% regardless of employee contribution, plus matching)
• Tuition assistance for higher education

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level