Position Summary:
The Research Director, Biological Defense (RDBD) will translate and execute strategic vision into operational portfolio plans and manage research intended to provide material and non-material solutions to counter biological threats to protect the Joint Force and the Nation as a whole. The RDBD will direct and provide research and analytical support to Department of Defense and U.S. Government sponsors on evolving requirements in designing, developing, testing, and evaluating capabilities to support the biological defense mission set.
The RDBD will be responsible for providing leadership and support for research across the broad array of elements related to Biological Defense. Responsibilities will include development of business opportunities and identification of resources that support Department of Defense and other U.S. Government Interagency sponsors.
The RDBD will be responsible for identifying research opportunities, securing funding, organizing research teams, monitoring research progress, and reviewing and approving final product reports.
The RDBD will lead and mentor a team of Directors, Principal Investigators, Project Managers, Scientists, Engineers, and Research Support Staff; and work closely with other CBDP Research Directors, Directors, and Principal Investigators to achieve target business goals and objectives to ensure highly coordinated and well executed efforts are maintained to meet sponsor requirements.
The RDBD will create structure and provide guidance and project prioritization to meet the strategic business goals as well as identify and recommend the optimal approach to the Associate Executive Director for Chemical and Biological Defense (AED CBDP) for managing projects by resolving resource constraints, supervising risk management, and influencing strategic direction that affects project progression and achievement of goals.
The RDBD will work with and report to the Associate Executive Director for Chemical and Biological Defense Programs (AED, CBDP).
Priority Consideration: In alignment with our commitment to staff development and internal mobility, current NSRI employees will be given priority consideration for this vacancy, provided they meet the minimum qualifications. Internal candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities: Research Director, Biological Defense key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, accomplishing the following activities:
Supervisory:
- Develop, lead, and supervise a team of Directors, Principal Investigators, Project Managers, Scientists, Engineers, and Research Support Staff.
- Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations for assigned subordinate employees.
- Assist NSRI leadership and staff in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training new staff, in conjunction with Human Resources.
- Handle discipline and termination of subordinate employees in coordination with the AED, CBDP and Human Resources, in accordance with company policy.
Position-Specific Responsibilities:
- Lead NSRI Biological Defense-related research activities and assigned Directors and staff.
- Provide oversight and management of the Biological Defense portfolio to ensure all program requirements and objectives (cost, schedule, and performance) are met on schedule and within the authorized budget.
- Master and maintain a vast knowledge base of DOD and USG Biological Defense mission set and emerging requirements.
- Support and assist the AED, CBDP in developing strategic goals and objectives for the Biological Defense portfolio.
- Support and assist the AED, CBDP in developing business plans and strategic roadmaps of potential biological research opportunities, as well as establishing measurable goals and metrics of success for the Biological Defense Portfolio.
- Identify and develop Biological Defense-related research and testing and evaluation capabilities at both NSRI and partner facilities to aid in the building of long-term strategic resources as well as the facilitation of immediate project needs.
- Identify workforce requirements and coordinate with the AED, CBDP to ensure programs and projects are adequately resourced.
- Identify and leverage resources (facilities and personnel) across University of Nebraska campuses to support biological defense research.
- Create and maintain existing working relationships with the University of Nebraska faculty and staff, and external collaborators to form strong research teams with the requisite skills to meet customer requirements.
- Create and maintain working relationships with the Department of Defense and other key federal agencies with chemical defense-related needs and requirements to identify research opportunities.
- Collaborate with other NSRI Research Directors, and Directors to identify synergies between CBDP and other NSRI program areas.
- Prepare and present presentations to internal management and to external customers to provide reviews and updates on technical aspects, cost, and schedule.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Position Requirements: Research Director Biological Defense position requirements include:
Required Qualifications:
- Master's degree in biological sciences including but not limited to microbiology, molecular biology, biodefense, biotechnology, or related scientific discipline.
- 10+ years demonstrated experience leading Department of Defense sponsored biological defense research programs.
- 10+ years demonstrated experience in business development and research program management.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities; proven track record in leading interdisciplinary research and development teams, with experience guiding initiatives from concept to execution.
- Deep knowledge of biodefense topics such as threat assessment, nonproliferation, biological surveillance and medical countermeasures
- Ability to write technical documents and communicate complex subjects to non-technical audiences.
- Willingness to travel as required to execute position responsibilities.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain U.S. government top secret security clearance eligibility.
Preferred Experience:
- Ph.D. in biological sciences including but not limited to microbiology, molecular biology, biodefense, biotechnology, or related scientific discipline.
- U.S. Military or governmental leadership in CBRNE/CWMD or directly related mission areas.
- Experience working with defense contractors and federal government contracts.
- Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, bioinformatics tools, and experience working in BSL-2, BSL-3, or BSL-4 labs.
- Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threat training and/or operational experience.
Ideal candidates will exhibit the following attributes and personality traits:
- A skilled technical expert in all aspects of the CBRNE/CWMD mission area.
- A self-starter that demonstrates attention to detail.
- Be collaborative and team-oriented with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment to seek input from others when necessary.
- Strong communication skills to effectively interact with senior leaders, peers, employees, and external partners.
- Understanding of corporate-level business, operations, and organization.
- Advanced organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple and complex tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with short deadlines and interruptions.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential interactions with sponsors and partners.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: Proven ability to analyze complex data, identify issues, and develop solutions.
Primary Work Location:
Preferred Location: NSRI Research Laboratory and Conference Center, Annapolis Junction, MD
Other Considered Locations: NSRI facilities in Fredericksburg, VA; Melbourne, FL; or Omaha/Lincoln, NE
Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with experience and may vary based on candidate qualifications and work location. For states or localities where salary range disclosure is required, the anticipated hiring range for this position is ($155,000 - $230,000)
NSRI Benefits:
- Health
- Dental
- Vision
- ER-paid Life
- Vol Life (employee, spouse, child(ren))
- AD&D
- LTD
- 403b (retirement), with employer matching
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
About NSRI:
The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) is a Department of Defense (DoD)- designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) affiliated with the University of Nebraska. NSRI provides innovative R&D and technical expertise in support of national security. UARCs operate as long-term, strategic partners with the federal government, performing essential work that cannot be competitively outsourced.
This position offers an opportunity to serve the public interest by contributing to the security and resilience of the nation.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
NSRI is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor. We comply with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action in employment.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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