Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Biologist / Bioinformatics Scientist. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Fort Belvoir, VA.

This role supports the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) Technical Reachback Division, which provides round-the-clock, dedicated, and independent CBRNE technical and analytical decision support. The selected candidate will bring subject matter expertise in bioinformatics, epidemiology, and/or microbiology to assist government agencies, Combatant Commands, and first responders with critical CBRNE planning, operations, and post-event analyses.

The position requires shift work and offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact national security missions through modeling, simulation, and scientific advisory support.

Responsibilities

As a Biologist / Bioinformatics Scientist, the selected individual will provide subject matter expertise and modeling support to the DTRA Technical Reachback biology team across a range of high-priority national security missions. Responsibilities may include:

• Providing CBRNE biological decision support and technical reachback capabilities to Combatant Commands (COCOMs), the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Joint Staff (JS), the Intelligence Community (IC), first responders, and federal, state, and local government organizations in accordance with DoD directives
• Developing, integrating, testing, verifying, validating, and applying CBRNE software and scenario models based on experimental results and theoretical and computational methods
• Presenting modeling results and decision support materials to internal and external customers through written reports and oral presentations
• Providing subject matter expertise (SME) in bioinformatics, epidemiology, and/or microbiology to implement and sustain functional capabilities within DTRA Reachback
• Reviewing current research across diverse subject areas to assess relevance and applicability to ongoing projects
• Evaluating new experimental data for quality and relevance; providing biomedical defense SME in hazard prediction modeling involving CBRNE phenomena
• Working closely with scientists and engineers to define modeling objectives and obtain, verify, and validate required model inputs and outputs
• Attending technical and programmatic meetings to coordinate responses from the scientific community and review assembled materials for accuracy, consistency, and completeness
• Reviewing the technical work of other team members to ensure quality and rigor
• Shift work is required

Key Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in bioinformatics, epidemiology, and/or microbiology with 1-3 years of relevant experience
• Subject matter expertise in at least one of the following: bioinformatics, epidemiology, or microbiology, with application to CBRNE or biomedical defense contexts
• Strong oral and written communication skill
• , including technical presentation capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and graphic visualization tools
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to work across scientific and operational communities
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically, with potential for international travel
• Must be a US citizen. Must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Experience combating WMD threats through modeling, simulation, and/or testing
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS tools in an operational environment
• Experience with public health threats such as COVID-19, Ebola, pandemic influenza, emerging infectious agents, and biological warfare agents
• Prior experience working with Department of Defense organizations on WMD-related issues, or with agencies such as HHS, CDC, or similar federal entities

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $120,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities