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Amentum · 1 month ago

Associate Scientist 1

Jefferson City, MO

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

1+ years exp

Amentum is actively seeking applicants for the Associate Scientist 1 position. The Associate Scientist 1 will perform various tasks related to the handling and processing of biological samples, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with safety protocols.

Mechanical EngineeringSecurityTechnical Support

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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, et.,) 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 BioWatch 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

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 BioWatch Laboratory Operations (QAPP)

Maintaining documentation of records demonstrating compliance with applicable training/retraining, competencies, document reviews

Analyzing routine external QA samples in accordance with the BioWatch 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 40lbs

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

Qualification

PCRMicrobiologyAseptic techniquesLaboratory PracticeBiological Safety Level 3Data entryQuality AssuranceIndependent analysisTechnical report writing

Required

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

Minimum of a Bachelor'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

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

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

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

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

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 BioWatch 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

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 BioWatch Laboratory Operations (QAPP)

Maintaining documentation of records demonstrating compliance with applicable training/retraining, competencies, document reviews

Analyzing routine external QA samples in accordance with the BioWatch 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 40lbs

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

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