Biological Scientist

Job Summary

Amentum National Security Solutions is actively seeking applicants for Biological Scientist in the Richmond, CA area

Amentum Position Description: The Biological Scientist shall perform, at a minimum, the following tasks and responsibilities in accordance with standard operating procedures:

Handling, receipt, and processing of daily operational, Quality Assurance, verification and proficiency test samples potentially containing biological threat agents.
o Receiving samples may require extended walking to/from laboratory areas and up and/or down several flights of stairs.

o Samples may require being transferred from one area/cart/cooler to another, requiring staff to lift ~50-60 lbs.

o Processing samples requires more than one (1) hour, but typically not to exceed four (4) hours, of repetitive motion (e.g. twisting/cutting/pipetting/gripping) on a regular, if not daily, basis.

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 (analytical methods and technologies may change over the life of the contract).
o Laboratory work-flow may occur in different laboratory areas (e.g., clean, high and low titer, under different conditions, such as BSL-2/BSL-3), utilizing a variety of biological safety cabinets (BSCs), and/or hoods (e.g., laminar or dead air).

o Laboratory work may require several PPE changes including, but not limited to, respiratory and full body protection (e.g., Tyvek suit) and gloves, for extended periods of time, not to exceed four (4) hours.

Preparing reagents and samples - same as above
Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
Decontamination of workspaces, including Biological safety cabinets, hoods/air boxes, equipment, and other items associated with processing and analysis activities.
o Necessitates decontamination of several rooms requiring extensive use of bleach and alcohol. For safety, proper PPE is required.

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.
May require lifting, stooping, reaching, carrying, and/or storing bio-hazard waste of different sizes and/or weights up to 40 lbs.
May require collecting multiple bags from BSL-2/BSL-3 areas and loading and unloading the autoclave machine when completed. For safety, proper PPE is required.
Restocking and maintaining proper inventory (e.g., par levels, rotation of stock, expiration dates, etc.,) of necessary supplies.
o May require lifting, stooping, reaching, carrying, and/or storing consumables, supplies, and/or equipment of various sizes, shapes, and/or weights up to 70 lbs.

Supporting customer 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.
o May require lifting, stooping, reaching, carrying, and/or transporting equipment and/or instruments to/from different laboratory areas and/or packaging instruments for service

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 customer laboratory QAPP
Maintaining documentation of records demonstrating compliance with applicable training/retraining, competencies, document reviews
Analyzing routine external QA samples in accordance with the customer SOP’s and QA Program guidance
Proper archiving, storage, and shipping of samples.
o May require lifting, stooping, carrying, and/or storing of sample archives of varying sizes and weights up to 40 lbs.

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, including DHS Safeguarding Sensitive but Unclassified (For Official Use Only) Information (January 2005) when visiting or working at Government facilities
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

Position Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

Minimum of a Ph.D.

or

Master’s degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related course work in biological sciences

At least one (1) year of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic environment, utilizing PCR, aseptic techniques, and biological assays, and 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.

Must be able to obtain/maintain a DHS Suitability security clearance

Biological Safety Level (BSL)-3 experience is desirable