Biological Scientist

Biological Scientist

Requirements

• Must be able to obtain/maintain a DHS Suitability security clearance
• Minimum of a Ph.D. or Master’s degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related course work in biological sciences with at least one (1) year of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic environment, utilizing PCR, aseptic techniques, and biological assays
• At least one (1) year of experience serving as a Senior Scientist or Team Leader of a laboratory team/project
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university requires four (4) years of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic environment, including at least one (1) year of experience as a Team Leader/Senior Scientist.

Responsibilities

• Handling, receipt, and processing of daily operational, Quality Assurance, verification and proficiency test samples potentially containing biological threat agents
• Performing non-research biological science work utilizing microbiological and molecular techniques, which currently includes DNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) to identify and characterize pathogenic bacterial and viral agents
• Preparing reagents and samples
• Decontamination of workspaces, including Biological safety cabinets, hoods/air boxes, equipment, and other items associated with processing and analysis activities
• Maintaining chain-of-custody (CoC)
• Interpretation of results – must be capable of independent analysis
• Data entry utilizing computerized or computer-linked systems
• Performing routine equipment calibration, cleaning, assembly, and maintenance in multiple lab areas
• Collecting, processing, and analyzing internal laboratory swipes/swabs for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and contamination monitoring located across multiple lab areas
• Proper disposal of bio-hazardous waste
• Restocking and maintaining proper inventory (e.g., par levels, rotation of stock, expiration dates, etc.,) of necessary supplies
• Supporting BioWatch Program logistics in conducting and documenting annual inventory (e.g., serial numbers, disposition, PO’s, packing slips, etc.) of DHS-procured durable equipment and property
• QA/QC and acceptance testing of reagents in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the Laboratory Operations Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP)
• Adhering to QA/QC requirements in accordance with the Public Health Laboratory quality management systems and the BioWatch Laboratory QAPP
• Maintaining documentation of records demonstrating compliance with applicable training/retraining, competencies, document reviews
• Analyzing routine external QA samples in accordance with the BioWatch SOP’s and QA Program guidance
• Proper archiving, storage, and shipping of samples
• Demonstrating ability to follow and adhere to written procedures and accepted practices in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, safety, security and dress code policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Preparing written and oral technical reports, answering questions, and making recommendations to the Lead Biological Scientist for inclusion in comprehensive reports
• Accurately performing work with confidence
• Demonstrating competency in various testing methodologies (e.g., multi-center studies), evaluating potential products and processes against unique environmental backgrounds, and meeting established deadlines
• Scheduled workdays include weekends and holidays
• Must be present for all hours of the workday, and be available 24/7/365 in case of emergency

Preferred Qualifications

• Biological Safety Level (BSL)-3 experience is desirable.