Principal Investigator, Virology (#1919)

Battelle National Biodefense Inst•Frederick, MD

5h•$112,881 - $186,498•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Requires a PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 6 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.).
Must demonstrate technical proficiency, scientific creativity and accountability, while collaborating with others using independent thought.
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.
Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC’s management system (e.g., ISO).

Nice To Haves

Knowledge or experience with biocontainment facilities and procedures, laboratory safety, biosurety, and decontamination is desirable.

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.
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.
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.
Works on complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
Willingness to act independently to determine methods and procedures on new assignments, while overseeing and managing the scientific or administrative activities of subordinates and /or technical personnel.
Advanced knowledge of scientific principles and concepts, with a reputation as an emerging leader in the field, with sustained performance and accomplishment recognized internally and externally through publications, sponsor feedback, and peer input.
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 tests (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.