Biodefense Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a unique facility located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD, dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Established in response to biodefense gaps identified after the Amerithrax attacks of 2001, NBACC has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006.

NBACC supports DHS and national biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization, and bioforensic analyses. It addresses critical scientific knowledge gaps regarding biological agents to protect the public and defend the nation against biological threats—whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate. NBACC also provides federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and the protection of the U.S. bioeconomy.

NBACC is comprised of two centers:

• National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC): Conducts technical analyses to support federal law enforcement investigations.
• National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC): Conducts experiments and studies to gather data for understanding biological vulnerabilities and hazards.

Together, these centers serve as a national resource for assessing risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies, informing biodefense policy and response planning, and supporting the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in performing predictive and preventive maintenance tasks of facility equipment under direct supervision.
• Performs periodic or special inspections of premises to determine repair work necessary to building systems.
• Performs minor repairs of equipment and non-critical systems under the guidance of experienced personnel.
• Assists senior technicians during emergency repairs, such as responding to equipment failures or containment breaches.
• Provides escorting for skill of craft service vendors.
• Follows all facility-specific biosafety and biosecurity protocols, including proper use of PPE and adherence to NBACC safety procedures and OSHA-related safety training.
• Monitors facility systems (e.g., alarms, pressure gauges, and temperature controls) and reports irregularities to supervisors.
• Performs other skill of craft duties associated with utility/building systems.
• Exhibits teamwork, clear communication, openness to ideas, and patience with colleagues, working collaboratively with FMS and FSS staff, EHS/Biosafety, Security, and laboratory personnel.
• Demonstrates the ability to multitask, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks in a complex, high containment environment.
• Is a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintaining flexibility, adapting to change productively, learning new concepts, and using critical thinking to resolve complex technical problems.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Performs other duties as assigned/authorized.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School graduate (or equivalent) and minimum of 0-4 years of experience working with HVAC systems and related utility support systems. Previous experience in maintaining equipment within high-containment facilities is preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered as substitution for the specific requirements outlined above.

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of safety regulations. OSHA 10 or 30 certification preferred.
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems, including the ability to identify and use hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Familiarity with basic mechanical and electrical principles including the ability to safely work on industrial systems under direct supervision.
• Basic computer skills (e.g. electronic forms, office applications, web based applications) are preferred.
• Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC’s management system (e.g., ISO).

SECURITY/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. citizen, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance and suitability for DHS.
• Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and/or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required.
• May be required to participate in NBACC’s alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule, depending on business needs.