Laboratory Diagnostics Biorisk Management SME

This position will function as an Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) laboratory diagnostics / BRM SME for the DTRA Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP). BTRP strengthens the capabilities of partner nations and the international community to prevent, detect, and prepare for outbreaks caused by pathogens. 

The laboratory diagnostics / BRM SME provides A&AS support to various BTRP clients (Science Managers, International Program Managers, etc.) and serves as a technical resource for matters related to laboratory diagnostics, biosafety, and biosecurity. For the purpose of this role, “biorisk management” means a combination of biosafety and biosecurity measures that protect personnel, facilities, and the environment from the accidental release, spread, or exposure to pathogens. The laboratory diagnostics / BRM SME ensures all project deliverables align with internationally recognized best practices, procedures, and guidelines (especially the World Health Organization’s Laboratory Biosafety Manual (LBM) and the US Center for Disease Control’s Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)) while meeting quality and schedule requirements. The successful applicant will be able to lead, execute, and strategically advise on a range of activities including but not limited to: improving biological laboratories in partner nations; improving safety and security within biological laboratories; reviewing and monitoring multiple biosurveillance projects; successfully collaborating with a diverse group of SMEs; and generally supporting BTRP clients with a multitude of recurring and pop-up deliverables related to biological laboratories and BRM. This SME will also travel internationally in support of client missions. The ideal candidate will have varied laboratory diagnostics and BRM skillsets with expertise in the following areas: microbiology; molecular biology; diagnostic procedures, reagents, equipment, and training; laboratory and field biosafety and biosecurity, biological risk assessment; working knowledge of the LBM and BMBL; BRM equipment, procedures, and administrative controls; CDC/USDA Biological Select Agents and Toxins experience; understanding of BRM regulatory frameworks; BRM training; safe and secure laboratory design; comprehensive insight to well-functioning national laboratory networks that ensure accurate detection and characterization of human and animal pathogens; and comprehensive insight to selecting activity-appropriate biorisk mitigation features for procedures involving the use, transfer, and/or storage of human and animal pathogens.

• Collaborates with a team of experts in laboratory diagnostics, BRM, One Health, epidemiology, engineering, cybersecurity, metrics, and training as a member of the larger A&AS BTRP Science Division.
• Collaborates with teams of experts in project management, cost estimation, acquisition, and other disciplines to achieve successful outcomes during client assistance activities.
• Serves as a reviewer on a variety of technical deliverables. This includes critically evaluating and making recommendations on matters related to the following: laboratory diagnostics, molecular and serological tests, necessary reagents, and proper equipment for human and animal pathogen detection; laboratory design plans; standard operating procedures; trainings for laboratory diagnostics; critically evaluating and making recommendations on matters related to the following: biosafety; biosecurity; biological risk assessment and selection of mitigating controls; selection, use, and best practices with biosafety and biosecurity equipment; selection and use of personal protective equipment; decontamination and disinfection; biohazardous waste management; knowledge of biosafety levels and comprehensive laboratory safety and security design; BRM standard operating procedures; BRM plans and manuals; BRM trainings; BRM regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledgeable about the traditional “5 Pillars of Biosecurity” – physical security, information control/security, transportation security, personnel reliability, and material control & accountability/inventory control.
• Participates in the review and evaluation of laboratory diagnostics and BRM activities accomplished in BTRP partner nations through an annual metrics validation process.
• Continuously and proactively makes insightful laboratory and BRM recommendations that align with BTRP partner nation end states while accounting for sustainability and country-specific needs.
• Reviews, evaluates, and provides collaborative technical feedback during the lifecycle management of BTRP-funded biosurveillance studies.
• Supports BTRP clients during international trips requiring laboratory diagnostics and BRM expertise.

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field.
• 3+ years of related experience which must include time spent in biological laboratory settings and strong familiarity with the equipment and procedures used in human and/or animal pathogen diagnostics as well as strong familiarity with BRM programs, techniques, and approaches.
• Working knowledge of biosafety levels, high containment laboratories, dual use equipment, and dual use research of concern.
• Experience reviewing research/studies involving biorisks and recommending proper biosafety and biosecurity controls.
• Experience writing technical comments, reports, and deliverables that convey critical information, findings, and recommendations while being cognizant of the intended audience.
• Hybrid Schedule - 2-3 days in Lorton, VA
• Ability to travel internationally, up to 25% of the time.
• Secret level clearance or ability to obtain Secret 

• Strong knowledge of pathogens on the United States CDC/USDA Biological Select Agents and Toxins List.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent communication on all matters related to client delivery and professional accountability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office tool suites. 
• Knowledge of assessing biological risks and selecting risk-mitigating controls.
• Working knowledge of the WHO LBM, 4^th, and the United States CDC BMBL, 6^th Ed.
• Master’s or Ph.D. Degree in biohazardous threat agents, microbiology, virology, bacteriology, molecular biology, or related field.
• 5+ years of related experience building upon the described required skills and qualifications.
• Familiarity with ISO15189, ISO17025, and ISO35001:2019.
• The ideal candidate will have experience serving in a client consulting role.

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI, and Noblis MSD tackle the nation's toughest problems and apply advanced solutions to our clients' most critical missions. We bring the best of scientific thought, management, and engineering expertise together in an environment of independence and objectivity to deliver enduring impact on federal missions. Noblis works with a wide range of government clients in the defense, intelligence and federal civil sectors. Learn more at Noblis -About Us

Why work at a Noblis company?

Our employees find greater meaning in their work and balance the other things in life that matter to them. Our people are our greatest asset. They are exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, team-oriented, and mission-driven individuals who want to do work that matters and benefits the public. Noblis has won numerous workplace awards. Noblis maintains a drug-free workplace.

*Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package.

Noblis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race (as well as because of or on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Noblis is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Noblis will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact employee-relations@noblis.org.