Staff Scientist

Staff Scientist 2 - Amentum

Location:

Houston, TX

Job Overview: The Staff Scientist 2 shall perform a wide range of duties in a biosafety level 3 laboratory environment, including handling, receipt and processing of operational, QA and proficiency test samples, performing non‑research biological science work utilizing microbiological and molecular techniques, and maintaining laboratory quality assurance and documentation. The role requires 24/7/365 availability in case of emergency and may include weekend and holiday work.

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

Position

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related coursework in biological sciences with at least one (1) year of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic environment, utilizing PCR, aseptic techniques, and biological assays, OR
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with four (4) years of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic environment
• At least one (1) year of experience serving as a Senior Scientist or Team Leader of a laboratory team/project.
• BSL-3 experience is desirable.

Compensation:

Estimated Salary: $75,000 (within a range determined by job responsibilities, education, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws)

Benefits Overview:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax‑saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note:

Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement or other employment contracts may include different provisions or benefits.

Responsibilities:

• Handling, receipt, and processing of operational, Quality Assurance (QA), and proficiency test (PT) samples potentially containing biological threat agents
• Performing non‑research biological science work utilizing microbiological and molecular techniques, including, but not limited to, DNA extraction and real‑time polymerase chain reaction (real‑time PCR) to identify and characterize pathogenic bacterial and viral agents
• Preparing reagents and samples
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• Decontamination of work spaces, including Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), hoods/air boxes, equipment, and other items associated with processing and analysis activities
• Maintaining chain‑of‑custody
• Interpretation of results
• Data entry utilizing computerized or computer‑linked systems
• Performing routine equipment calibration, cleaning, assembly, and maintenance
• Collecting, processing, and analyzing internal laboratory swipes/swabs for QA/QC and contamination monitoring
• Proper disposal of biohazardous waste
• Restocking and maintaining proper inventory of necessary supplies
• Supporting Program logistics in conducting and documenting annual inventory of DHS‑procured durable equipment and property
• 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 QAPP
• Maintaining documentation of records demonstrating compliance with applicable training/retraining, competencies, and document reviews
• Analyzing routine external QA samples in accordance with the SOPs and QA Program guidance
• Proper archiving, storage, and shipping of samples
• 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…