Laboratory Diagnostics Biorisk Management SME

Responsibilities

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s D