Staff Scientist 1

Amentum•Downey, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Amentum is seeking a Staff Scientist 1 to perform non-research biological science work supporting the BioWatch Program in Downey, California. The role includes handling and processing operational, quality assurance, verification, proficiency, and other samples that may contain biological threat agents. Laboratory work uses microbiological and molecular techniques, currently including DNA extraction and real-time PCR to identify and characterize pathogenic bacterial and viral agents. Methods and technologies may change over the life of the contract. The position involves work in multiple laboratory areas and conditions, including BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments, using biological safety cabinets and other hoods. Duties also include preparing reagents and samples, interpreting results independently, maintaining chain of custody, entering data, performing equipment calibration and maintenance, monitoring laboratory areas for contamination, decontaminating workspaces, handling biohazardous waste, maintaining inventory, and supporting equipment and property logistics. The employee must follow SOPs, quality management requirements, the Laboratory Operations QAPP, applicable regulations, and safety and security policies. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain DHS Suitability clearance, availability for scheduled weekend and holiday work, presence for all hours of the workday, and availability 24/7/365 for emergencies. Physical demands include walking between laboratory areas, lifting and carrying materials and equipment, repetitive hand motions, and wearing PPE for extended periods.

Requirements

A Ph.D. or master’s degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related biological sciences coursework, plus at least one year of laboratory bench experience outside an academic environment using PCR, aseptic techniques, and biological assays, and at least one year of experience serving as a Senior Scientist or Team Leader of a laboratory team/project; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and four years of laboratory bench experience outside an academic environment, including at least one year as a Team Leader/Senior Scientist.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Suitability security clearance.
Ability to follow written procedures and accepted practices and comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and safety, security, and dress-code policies.
Ability to perform independent analysis and accurately complete work.
Availability to work scheduled weekends and holidays, remain present for all hours of the workday, and be available 24/7/365 in case of emergency.
Ability to perform physical tasks including extended walking, repetitive motions, lifting and carrying loads up to approximately 70 pounds, and wearing respiratory and full-body PPE for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Biological Safety Level (BSL)-3 experience.

Responsibilities

Handle, receive, and process 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.
Prepare reagents and samples.
Interpret results and conduct independent analysis.
Maintain chain-of-custody records and enter data using computerized or computer-linked systems.
Calibrate, clean, assemble, and maintain equipment in multiple laboratory areas.
Collect, process, and analyze laboratory swipes and swabs for QA/QC and contamination monitoring.
Decontaminate workspaces, biological safety cabinets, hoods, equipment, and other items used in 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 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.
Conduct QA/QC and acceptance testing of reagents according to applicable SOPs and the Laboratory Operations QAPP.
Maintain records demonstrating compliance with training, retraining, competency, and document-review requirements.
Analyze routine external QA samples in accordance with BioWatch SOPs and QA Program guidance.
Archive, store, and ship samples properly.
Follow written procedures and accepted practices, including applicable regulations and safety, security, and dress-code 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 for all hours of the workday, and remain available 24/7/365 for emergencies.