Job Title: Research Support Specialist

Salary Range: Starting salary of $65,000 minimum commensurate on credentials and experience

Supervisor: Director, Sample Exploitation and Sequencing

Position Summary:

The Research Support Specialist (RSS) position will be responsible for providing support to research programs over a capability area centered on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) for Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Government (USG) sponsors, in both field and laboratory settings. Responsibilities will include working with a multidisciplinary team that develops and tests novel materials, methods, and systems for chemical and biological defense applications.

Initial work location will be in Charlottesville, Virgnia for at least 12 months. Thereafter, the position is expected to be relocated to Melbourne, Florida, based on contractual requirements. Relocation benefits will be made available for this move in accordance with NSRI policies.

Secondary places of duty and travel requirements will be based on contractual, and project needs and may include NSRI facilities in Melbourne, Florida; Fredericksburg, Virginia; and, Annapolis Junction, Maryland; along with USG facilities as required by contract requirements. Periodical travel to NSRI and University of Nebraska facilities and campuses in Nebraska is also anticipated.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Conduct research following test plans and protocols for CBRN research efforts.

· Carry out quality control and assurance protocols for CBRN research efforts.

· Assist in the development of CBRN research, development, and testing capabilities at both NSRI and partner facilities to aid in the building of long-term strategic resources as well as the facilitation of immediate project needs.

· Manage day-to-day tasks for maintaining laboratory operations.

· Maintain proper laboratory documentation.

· Participate as a member of a team to accomplish all stated and implied project related tasks.

· Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field.

· Self-motivated and able to manage themselves and coordinate task scheduling in accordance with work priorities.

· Knowledge of laboratory operations, including environmental health and safety procedures.

· Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

· At least one year of experience in following molecular protocols and conducting experiments in a laboratory environment.

· At least one year of experience in working as a part of a team in a biological and/or chemical laboratory environment.

· The position requires that the employee be eligible and maintain eligibility for a US government security clearance and must be a US citizen.

Desired Qualifications:

· Two or more years of experience in molecular techniques in PCR and Next Gen Sequencing (Illumina based platforms)

· Two or more years of experience in following protocols and conducting experiments in a laboratory environment.

· Two or more years of experience in working as a part of a team in a biological and chemical laboratory environment.

· Experience in conducting experiments in a Biosafety level (BSL)-2 and BSL-3 microbiology laboratories.

· Experience in microbiology specifically with spore forming bacteria.

· Master of Science in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field.

· Current DoD security clearance.