P2 Mid-Level Scientist

Job  Summary: Jacobs is seeking a mid-level scientist to join our dynamic team in support of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) Homeland Security and Materials Management Division (HSMMD). This position is based at the Environmental Science Center (ESC) in Fort Meade, Maryland. The selected candidate will be part of a flexible and collaborative team environment, with opportunities for continual learning and development.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Project Collaboration:

·         Perform duties as assigned in conjunction with project leaders.

·         Actively engage in team efforts and contribute to research objectives. 

1. Quality Assurance:

·         Ensure all quality assurance activities comply with the Fort Meade laboratory standards.

·         Adhere to laboratory SOPs, study protocols, or QAPPs set by HSMMD researchers.

·         Review data to ensure compliance with project data quality goals.

·         Identify and suggest improvements in the quality system. 

1. Documentation:

·         Document activities and observations in record books as per quality assurance project plans.

·         Maintain both hard-copy and electronic records of measurement results.

·         Report findings in accordance with Jacobs and EPA records management protocols. 

1. Safety and Protocol Compliance:

·         Perform laboratory work following established Jacobs and EPA safety research protocols.

·         Ensure adherence to safety guidelines to maintain a secure and efficient work environment. 

1. Candidate Profile:

·         The ideal candidate will possess a strong aptitude for teamwork and flexibility.

·         Eagerness to learn and adapt to changing research objectives.

·         Commitment to upholding high standards of laboratory practices and safety. 

1. Opportunities:

·         Continuous professional development in a dynamic research setting.

                      ·         Engagement with cutting-edge environmental and homeland security research projects.

Minimum Education, Experience, Training, And /Or Skill Requirements:

1. Years of Experience and Education:

·         Minimum of 2 years of experience in the field of microbiology.

·         Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.

·         An equivalent combination of work experience and education will also be considered.

1. Laboratory Proficiency:

·         Capable of working independently in a laboratory setting, completing various tasks.

·         Experience with biosafety level (BSL) 2 and BSL-3 testing involving viruses, bacteria, or fungi.

·         Proficient in the preparation of media for bacterial and cell culture.

·         Skilled in spiking materials with surrogate organisms and analyzing their survivability post-treatment.

·         Knowledgeable in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), including enumeration and identification of bacterial colonies, culturing bacterial strains, virus and bacteriophage propagation, chemical concentration calculations, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), light microscopy, mammalian cell culture, etc.

·         Trained in aseptic technique, serial dilutions, gram staining, agar plating assays (both phage and bacteria), colony identification, and general microscopy.

1. Laboratory Management:

·         Ability to maintain detailed laboratory notebooks documenting all activities.

·         Proficient in keeping an accurate inventory of chemicals, reagents, and media specific to the Fort Meade laboratory.

·         Capable of managing laboratory equipment at the Fort Meade facility.

1. Other Skills

·         Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.

·         Willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment.

·         Proactive with a mature and positive attitude.

·         Proficient in basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

1. Additional Requirements:

·         Candidates may be required to undergo security clearance procedures as per Fort Meade regulations.

·         Adherence to safety protocols and lab standards is always mandatory.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Unusual or Special Physical Requirements of Position

•          Lifting: 35 lbs, 10%
•          Special clothing/equipment (wearing): Industrial PPE (safety glasses, protective shoes, lab coats, dust masks), 100%
•           Other: Must be comfortable working in in a laboratory environment, 100% 

Description of Work Environment 

•          Inside?  Outside? Combination? Where? Laboratory or Indoor setting, 100%        

 Equipment and Machines Involved in Work Tasks (specify and provide % of time required)

•          Office equipment/machines electrically/battery operated - which? Laptops
•          Tools used in trade - which ones? hand tools,
•          Other: Laboratory equipment including temperature, pressure, flow rate measurement devices, sifting equipment, 60% 

Criticality of Attendance 

•          Overtime, regular days, off days: Regular days
•          Shift, 1st, 2nd, 3rd: 1^st shift, core hours 9:00AM – 3:00PM
•          Necessity for regular attendance: Critical
•       Urgency for punctuality: Urgent