BACKGROUND The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is the first national laboratory created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). NBACC is sponsored by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and is operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC (BNBI). NBACC is a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. NBACC includes two centers: the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts laboratory studies to characterize the threat posed by biological agents to inform national-level threat and hazard assessments, and biodefense preparedness planning and response. Together, these centers offer a national resource for understanding the risks posed by the malicious use of biological agents and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism. PRIMARY FUNCTION The Principal Investigator works as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists in the NBTCC to design, execute, and analyze the results of research studies examining the properties of infectious biological aerosols needed to address questions of national significance in support of biodefense preparedness, response, and recovery planning. Research is performed within state-of-the art biocontainment laboratories, and spans a range of topics, including characterization of the physical and pathogenic properties of infectious biological aerosols to inform transport and dispersion modeling, assessment of the performance of aerosol sampling equipment, respiratory toxicology and exposure assessment, and evaluation of medical countermeasure efficacy in animal models of disease. MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Requires a PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and a minimum of 5 years related experience. • Expertise in laboratory methodologies and procedures related to aerobiology and aerosol science. • Ability to demonstrate success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity and accountability, while collaborating with others using independent thought. • Proficiency and clarity of oral and written communications are essential. • Exemplary organizational skills with a proven track record of working effectively both independently and as a team player. • Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC's management system (e.g., ISO). • Must be a citizen of the United States, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a Top-Secret clearance, suitability for DHS, and a favorable adjudication of the Department of Justice (DoJ) for select agent access. • Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program, and enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required. • May be required to participate in NBACC's alternative work and/or on-call schedule, dependent upon business needs. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Possesses technical expertise related to generation, sampling, and characterization of aerosols, including particle size measurement using optical and/or impaction-based methodologies. Experience with biological aerosols and/or respiratory delivery of therapeutics is desired. • A background in statistics is desired. • Knowledge or experience with biocontainment facilities and procedures, laboratory safety, biosecurity, and decontamination are desired. Experience presenting results of research, in both oral and written formats, as demonstrated by a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional meetings. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Leads aerobiology-focused research projects to address knowledge gaps related to transmission of disease by infectious biological aerosols. Responsibilities may include planning of project scope, schedule and budget; design and setup of test systems; data collection and analysis; management of project technical staff; completion of assigned projects within time and budget constraints; writing of study reports and briefing results to relevant stakeholders; and compliance with relevant regulatory and sponsor requirements. • Leverages subject matter expertise in aerobiology and aerosol science to maintain and expand NBTCC capabilities. Provides continuous evaluation and improvement of experimental processes, including design of novel test methodologies in collaboration with other researchers. • Operates, maintains, and characterizes the performance of equipment used for the aerosol studies, including optical particle sizers, cascade impactors, and aerosol generation devices. Expands expertise in aerobiology and aerosol science related subject areas through attendance at relevant meetings, conferences, and continuing education courses. • Works on complex problems in which a