Chief Scientist, NBFAC (#1885)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility located on Fort Detrick in Frederick MD and is dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Its work supports DHS and National biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization and bioforensic analyses. It is the first national laboratory created by DHS in response to biodefense gaps identified following the Amerithrax attacks of 2001 and has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006. Since its inception, NBACC and its staff have filled critical shortfalls in our scientific knowledge of biological agents needed to protect the public and defend the Nation from biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate and provided federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and protection of the US bioeconomy.

NBACC includes two centers: the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts the technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts experiments and studies to obtain data required for a better understanding of biological vulnerabilities and hazards. Together these centers offer a unique national resource for understanding the risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies to inform biodefense policy and response planning and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Serves as a scientific advisor across multiple disciplines by supporting programmatic and technical activities for NBFAC, including laboratory operations at biosafety levels (BSL) 2, 3, and 4, which may include the following disciplines: genomics, bioinformatics, human forensics, molecular biology, proteomics, microscopy, virology, immunology and bacteriology. Responsibilities also include the execution, oversight and management of bioforensic casework and capability expansion to include training, regulatory compliance and safe operations to meet DHS and customer requirements.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 12 years of related experience.
• Demonstrates success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in their scientific or engineering discipline and is an institutional resource for multiple science projects.
• Highly skilled scientific proficiency in laboratory functions. Possesses the ability to identify issues and recommend solutions to institutional science protocols, procedures, and experimental plans.
• Proficiency and clarity of oral and written communications are essential.
• Ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks.
• Knowledge or experience with biocontainment facilities and procedures, laboratory safety, biosurety, and decontamination is desirable.
• Knowledge or experience with Quality Assurance (QA) programs, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 17025 and/or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)/Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) desirable.
• Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC's management system (e.g., ISO).
• Must be a citizen of the United States, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance, suitability for DHS, and a favorable adjudication of the Department of Justice (DoJ) for select agent access.
• Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required.
• May be required to participate in NBACC's alternative work and/or on-call schedule, dependent upon business needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a strategic leader within NBFAC, overseeing personnel, project, and budget management across diverse disciplines such as genomics, bioinformatics, human forensics, molecular biology, proteomics, microscopy, virology, immunology, and bacteriology. Provides direction and management for NBFAC Casework, Bioforensic Capability Expansion, and the maintenance and expansion of the NBFAC ISO 17025 Quality Management Program (QMS). Ensures projects align with institutional objectives, comply with regulatory requirements, and adhere to scope, schedule, and cost constraints while maintaining operational capabilities, including CDC select agent registration and ISO 17025 accreditation.
• Develops, evaluates, optimizes, validates and maintains assays and/or methods used to conduct bioforensic analysis. Evaluates methods to ensure NBFAC is utilizing the most appropriate techniques to analyze forensic samples.
• Creates a culture of respect, scientific inquiry, and high-quality work. Provides leadership and support to staff which includes goal setting, supervision and evaluations for staff who support bioforensics.
• Prepares and/or reviews project plans, monthly reports, study reports, technical proposals, presentation materials, schedules, and other programmatic documents prior to their submission, ensuring that they are high quality, accurate, and address the requirements of the sponsor.
• In collaboration with the NBFAC Director, interfaces with external stakeholders including representatives from various Federal agencies to assess requirements, coordinate research, and provide briefings on recent accomplishments.
• Expert 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.
• Applies independent judgment within established practices and policies to select methods and techniques for solving problems, while anticipating issues and opportunities and proposing solutions with an institutional perspective. Tackles extremely complex problems that require thorough analysis and evaluation of intangible variables to develop effective solutions.
• 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 using the Quality Management System under the ISO 17025 Standard.
• Identifies departures from the QMS and initiates actions to investigate and prevent such occurrences.
• Directs, prioritizes, schedules, and provides technical expertise to staff to conduct work.
• Maintains and evaluates records of analysis and reviews laboratory results. Provides analysis, opinions, interpretations, and issues reports.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Performs other duties as assigned/authorized.