Senior Scientist

National Strategic Research Institute•Melbourne, FL

11d•$125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is seeking applications for a Senior Scientist position that will encompass executing technical scientific approaches, development of business opportunities, leading technical tasks and identification of resources that support Department of War and other U.S. Interagency sponsors. The Senior Scientist will be responsible for providing support to several research programs over a capability area centered on biological threat detection and countermeasure development for Department of War (DoW) and United States Government (USG) sponsors. The Senior Scientist will work in a laboratory alongside a multidisciplinary team that develops, tests, and investigates novel materials, methods, and systems for chemical and biological defense applications in both field and laboratory settings. Additionally, the candidate will provide next generation sequencing (NGS) subject matter expertise, mentor junior staff, and draft experimental test plans. Ultimately, the candidate will be responsible for the development and enhancements of all aspects of NGS and forensic level analysis supporting Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) projects, while directly collaborating with NSRI staff and other entities within the CWMD community. The primary place of duty for this position is NSRI’s facility in Melbourne, Florida. Secondary places of duty and travel requirements will be based on contractual, and project needs and may include NSRI facilities in Fredericksburg, Virginia; Annapolis Junction, Maryland; along with USG facilities as required by contract requirements. Periodical travel to Omaha, Nebraska and University of Nebraska facilities and campuses in Nebraska is also anticipated. This position is part of a government-funded project, and employment is contingent upon continued customer funding and performance. Priority Consideration: In alignment with our commitment to staff development and internal mobility, current NSRI employees will be given priority consideration for this vacancy, provided they meet the minimum qualifications. Internal candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology from an accredited university or college
8+ years technical experience working in support of DoW, USG or related projects
8+ years’ experience in RT-PCR, ddPCR, NGS methodologies, CRISPR and creating protocols and conducting experiments in a laboratory environment
8+ years’ experience NGS workflows including agnostic whole genome sequencing, amplicon sequencing, transcriptome characterization as well as various pre-processing methods
Knowledge of bioinformatics analysis (CLC Genomics Workbench and various Illumina BaseSpace apps) principles and its application for next-generation sequencing genomic data analysis
Experience with BSL-3 procedures including sequencing in high containment laboratories
Excellent written and oral skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Experience working as a part of a multi-functional team
U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, with options for higher level clearance opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree or PhD preferred in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology, or related field.
10+ years technical experience working in support of DoW, USG or related projects
10+ years’ experience in RT-PCR, ddPCR, NGS methodologies, CRISPR and creating protocols and conducting experiments in a laboratory environment
10+ years’ experience NGS workflows including agnostic whole genome sequencing, amplicon sequencing, transcriptome characterization as well as various pre-processing methods
2+ years of experience working in remote OCONUS (Outside Continental U.S.) based laboratories.
5+ years of experience developing human signature capability.
Experience in performing as a Principal Investigator for CDC select agent programs
American Society for Clinical Pathology certified Medical Technology in molecular Biology
Active U.S. government security clearance

Responsibilities

Provide technical contributions as a Senior Scientist regarding all aspects of government programs to include design/development, optimization, and execution of sample preparation, real-time PCR, ddPCR, CRISPR, NGS methodologies and bioinformatics to accomplish all stated and implied project related tasks.
Develop biological defense research, development, and testing capabilities at both NSRI and partner facilities to aid in the building of long-term strategic resources and the facilitation of immediate project needs.
Collaborate directly with project sponsors, stakeholders, University of Nebraska staff, and NSRI staff to develop and execute project plans, timelines, and strategies to facilitate successful completion of project goals.
Act as Principal Investigator, execute, and defend the cost, scope, technical performance, and schedule for assigned projects.
Provide project deliverables to report project status, written and orally, both internally and externally
Implement and manage change when necessary to meet project outputs
Execute and manage day-to-day laboratory duties associated with assigned projects
Lead and/or contribute to multiple projects simultaneously