Associate Scientist 1

Amentum is actively seeking applicants for Associate Scientist 1

Amentum Position Description:  The Associate Scientist 1 shall perform, at a minimum, the following tasks and responsibilities in accordance with standard operating procedures:

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

• Handling, receipt, and processing of daily operational, Quality Assurance, verification and proficiency test samples potentially containing biological threat agents. 

  • Receiving samples may require extended walking to/from laboratory areas and up and/or down several flights of stairs. 

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

  • 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).  

  • Laboratory workflow 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).

  • 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. 

  • 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 biohazard 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.  

  • 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 logistics in conducting and documenting annual inventory (e.g., serial numbers, disposition, PO’s, packing slips, etc.) of DHS-procured durable equipment and property.

  • 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. 

  • 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 Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related course work in biological sciences, and at least one (1) year of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic environment, utilizing PCR, aseptic techniques, and biological assays. 

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