Research Analyst 2 - One Health and Biodefense

Key Skills

Data science techniques, Effective communication skills, Environmental, US Healthcare Recruitment, Writing

Job Description

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

Responsibilities

Do you want to enable the application of a One Health approach to health security? Do you want to contribute and support the work of an organization that addresses some of today’s most challenging health security issues that face our Nation? The Applied Artificial Intelligence Systems (AAIS) Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a driven, detail-oriented, energetic, subject matter expert to help us develop One Health solutions to threats facing the nation.

At PNNL, the AAIS group is focused on addressing important and complex national security problems through the deployment of cutting-edge data science capabilities. For this specific position, you will be part of a growing portfolio of projects addressing food, agriculture, and health threats using a One Health approach that integrates data from humans, animals, plants, and their surrounding environments. This position requires a proactive, innovative approach to problem solving and demonstration of creativity and initiative when addressing new challenges.

The ideal candidate is a subject-matter expert and independent contributor with extensive understanding of human health, society, food, agriculture, veterinary species, and the environment as they relate to the domain of One Health. In addition, the candidate possesses broad understanding of data science, One Health open-source data, infectious disease, and contemporary knowledge of key biological threats affecting National Security. The selected candidate must demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly adjust work priorities based on changing circumstances or events.

In addition, the candidate must be a productive networker who effectively conveys One Health-focused initiatives and recommendations while establishing positive working relationships at all levels. Contacts may include project teams (scientists, engineers) and leadership, government officials (federal, state, and local levels), internal and external stakeholders, and other One Health-related professionals (human, animal, plant, and environment).

Assignments may involve a broad range of responsibilities, to include authoring reports, plans, papers or other documents; delivering briefings and debriefings to travelers, hosts and escorts; and performing other tasks as required. Work products must be of high quality, as well as timely, accurate, and relevant. The incumbent generally works independently but with regular interactions in a team environment with other PNNL staff members, principal investigators, project managers, researchers, and scientists.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or relevant degree in public, animal, plant, and/or environmental health, e.g. MPH, DVM.
• Experience working in or familiarity with the One Health domain.

• Active Federal Q Clearance and ability to maintain such clearance.

• Expert ability to grasp conceptual ideas and exercise original thought where there is little time for deliberation or consultation, to evaluate the importance of situations and problems, and to present well-considered and sound suggestions.

• Excellent written, interpersonal and communication skills and the proven ability to articulately convey ideas and concepts.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Requirements:

• S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.