Biotechnology Research Engineer

Job Description:

AMA is looking for a full time Biotechnology Research Engineer/ Senior III to work on a project as part of the NAMS-2 contract at NASA Ames Research Center. Candidate needs to be able to work on-site in Moffett Field, CA.

This position supports the objectives and missions of the Nanoelectronics and Devices projects. The core focus of this project is on the development of flexible hybrid electronics for in-space manufacturing of electronics. The task involves conducting research in the design, fabrication and evaluation of nanosensors and nanoelectronic devices for applications including crew health and environmental monitoring. The nanomaterials have been investigated for their use in NASA missions due to their interesting electronic, mechanical, optical, and thermal properties. This position will support the development in the areas such as nano-biosensors and supporting printable electronics and energy storage devices. In all these cases, the goal is to use emerging nanomaterials and nanoscale processes to make the devices smaller, cheaper and low power consuming compared to the current state-of-the-art as these metrics are critical for space missions.

Stakeholders include NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP), Mars Campaign Office, International Space Station National Lab (ISSNL), and NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD).

Tasks and Responsibilities

Supporting the development of wearable sweat biosensors (Sweat Patches)

• Attending biweekly meetings with vendor and NASA stakeholders on development of sweat patch.
• Developing and characterizing drug delivery gel for active sweat induction.

Supporting the development of Mag-EC Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA):

• Developing cardiac health assay for Exploration Medical Mag-EC sensor.
• Characterizing assay for sensitivity and selectivity to cardiac troponin-I.

Supporting the development of Mag-EC ELISA Fluidics modules:

• Attending weekly meetings with NASA team members and stakeholders to support the development of Mag-EC ELISA Fluidics modules.
• Demonstrating cardiac health monitoring through the quantitative electrochemical detection of cardiac troponin-I in fluidic module instrumentation.

Supporting the development of sensor for habitability and life detection to support Icy Moons exploration:

• Developing electrochemical sensor methodology for habitability of Enceladus.
• Developing electrochemical amino acid sensor methodology for life detection.

Required Qualifications

• Requires a Master’s degree in Biotechnology plus 6 years of related experience or a Ph.D. degree in Biotechnology and 3 years of related experience.
• Experience conducting research in the design, fabrication and evaluation of nanosensors for applications including health and environmental monitoring.

Applicants must be a US citizen or Permanent US Resident.

Salary range: $145,000 - $160,000

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Empl