Organization and Job ID

Job ID: 309092
Directorate: National Security
Division: Signatures Science & Technology
Group: Chemcial & Biological Signature Sciences

Summary

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a multi-program laboratory operated by Battelle for the US DOE. The Chemical and Biological Signature Science Group (CBSS) is an interdisciplinary group of approximately 50 biologists, chemists, and engineers that solve research and development problems related to chemical and biological detection and forensics.

Much of the work involves trace detection in complex samples including environmental, food, or biological samples, and is directed toward national security missions to prevent and counter acts of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Key challenges include: identifying the appropriate signatures, sample collection/preservation and preparation, development of detection and analysis technologies, and development of approaches and analytical methods for high confidence measurements.

CBSS is seeking a biological or biochemical scientist to contribute to research focused broadly on the identification and characterization of bacteria, viruses and/or biological toxins that are problematic for human health and/or of concern to national security sponsors. The successful candidate will be a member of an inter-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and program managers, and will conduct experiments on cells, tissues or model organisms to help identify causes and solutions to threatening diseases.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience, Master’s with 3 years of experience OR Ph.D. with 1 years of experience
Demonstrated ability to apply basic microbiology, molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques to complex assignments in a biosafety level 2 research and development setting
Experience recommending technical approaches and making technical contributions that may ultimately affect the direction of the research
Experience working in technical teams to complete complex project tasks on time and on budget
Experience thoroughly documenting experiments, including methods and results
Experience contributing to proposals and peer-reviewed publications or technical reports

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Biology, Chemistry or related field
Experience with bacterial and mammalian cell culture
Experience extracting cellular components from complex matrices (e.g., soil, water, surface swipes, clinical samples)
Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications or technical reports

Other Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 consecutive months can be demonstrated.

Additional Information:

This position will require experimental work involving exposure to risk group 1 and 2 biological agents, biological toxins, typical laboratory chemicals, and equipment that are appropriately assessed and managed to prevent exposing staff to hazards

To apply for this job please visit careers.pnnl.gov.