Associate Scientist

Join to apply for the Associate Scientist 1 role at Amentum

Position Location:

Jacksonville, FL

• Handling, receipt, and processing of daily operational, quality assurance, verification and proficiency test samples potentially containing biological threat agents.
• Receiving samples may require extended walking to/from laboratory areas and up and/or down several flights of stairs.
• Samples may require being transferred from one area/cart/cooler to another, requiring staff to lift ~50–60 lbs.
• Processing samples requires more than one hour, but typically not to exceed four hours, of repetitive motion (e.g. twisting, cutting, pipetting, gripping) on a regular, if not daily, basis.
• Perform non‑research biological science work using microbiological and molecular techniques, including DNA extraction and real‑time PCR, to identify and characterize pathogenic bacterial and viral agents.
• Laboratory workflow may occur in different areas under varying conditions (e.g., BSL‑2/BSL‑3), using a variety of biological safety cabinets and hoods.
• Laboratory work may require several PPE changes (respiratory and full body protection, gloves) for extended periods, not to exceed four hours.
• Prepare reagents and samples.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Decontaminate work spaces, including biosafety cabinets, hoods, and equipment.
• Maintain chain‑of‑custody (CoC) for samples and reagents.
• Interpret results independently and perform data entry into computerized systems.
• Calibrate, clean, assemble, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Collect, process, and analyze internal laboratory swipes/swabs for QA/QC and contamination monitoring.
• Properly dispose of biohazardous waste, lifting, stooping, reaching, carrying, and/or storing waste up to 40 lbs.
• Collect multiple bags from BSL‑2/BSL‑3 areas and load/unload the autoclave machine, using proper PPE.
• Restock and maintain proper inventory (par levels, rotation, expiration dates).
• Support Bio Watch Program logistics by conducting and documenting annual inventory of DHS‑procured equipment.
• Perform QA/QC and acceptance testing of reagents per SOPs and QAPP.
• Adhere to QA/QC requirements per the Public Health Laboratory quality management systems and Bio Watch QAPP.
• Maintain documentation of training, competencies, and document reviews.
• Analyze routine external QA samples per Bio Watch SOPs and QA guidance.
• Archive, store, and ship samples properly.
• Execute tasks on weekends and holidays, and be available 24/7/365 for emergencies.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in microbiology, molecular biology, or related biological sciences, and at least one year of laboratory bench experience outside of an academic setting, using PCR, aseptic techniques, and biological assays.
• BSL‑3 experience is desirable.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a DHS Suitability security clearance.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low‑income status, or mental or physical disability, so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.

Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.