Support Scientist
Description
The candidate will perform biological science associated with one or more complex projects within the NASA Ames Research Center’s Bioengineering Branch. The Bioengineering Branches' primary directive is to work on Advanced Life Support Systems for Human Space Exploration Missions such as a lunar or Mars mission. The work involves theoretical and experimental research on the physical and biological processes of living organisms and systems as related to space exploration. S/he performs novel investigations directed toward discovering, disseminating, and applying new knowledge to the fields of synthetic biology, bioinformatics and molecular biology as related to human life support, in situ manufacturing and resource utilization. Projects may involve spaceflight and/or ground-based research work. The candidate predominantly performs research and supports projects that are focused on space synthetic biology and space biology, requiring experience in molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics. The individual will also perform scientific tasks associated with the development, testing and utilization of spaceflight.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Perform scientific work involving rigorous studies of biological systems designed to operate in reduced gravity and/or other space conditions in support of NASA’s life support efforts and other space exploration programs. This includes the development of organisms and systems that are capable of producing mission-relevant compounds such as nutritional compounds, pharmaceuticals, chemicals/polymers, fuels, and binding agents.
- Conduct research in the development of hybrid biological/physico-chemical methods to enable in situ manufacturing of needed mission resources using local resources found in missions, including flight testing of developed systems.
- Contribute to smooth, continuous operation of molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemistry laboratories (includes the implementation, documentation, and enforcement of laboratory policies and safety regulations) and assists in keeping the laboratory equipment and apparatus in working order and works to maintain a safe and organized laboratory area including clean-up of hazardous spills. This includes oversight of the general state of the laboratory, including scheduled waste removal, decontamination of surfaces, and instrument calibration/upkeep.
- Collaborate with other scientists in generating research proposals, and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Perform analysis, compilation of experimental data, and prepare data for reports and presentations.
- Prepare lists of items required to conduct laboratory experiments, and shall obtain product information, identify vendors and suppliers, assist in the preparation of material and supply acquisition, and order materials and equipment to maintain inventory.
- On occasion, shall be required to work either extended hours or an adjusted shift to either early morning or late at night during periods of equipment and process testing.
Qualifications
Required Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a biological discipline (molecular biology or microbiology or similar field of study) with at least 1 year of experience or new graduate with Master’s degree in a biological discipline.
Required Skills/Training:
- Must have knowledge of computer operating systems and applications to include Microsoft Office.
- Laboratory experience in molecular biology and/or genetic engineering of microorganisms, or microbiology in general.
- Willing to learn appropriate procedures/processes to work around hazardous materials.
- Strong ability to work independently with minimal instruction
- Ability to learn new skills and move into new areas of research quickly and independently
- Ability to follow written or oral instructions by supervisors as needed to investigate and participate in laboratory investigations.
- Ability to easily adjust to changing activities and plans.
- Ability to communicate well orally and in writing as well as ability to communicate effectively with scientists and engineers from a wide range of technical backgrounds.
- Ability to interact with others (co-workers, supervisors, other NASA agency personnel and the general public) to include courtesy, tact and diplomacy as needed to provide/gather information and establish effective working relationships.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Job: Biology
Primary Location: US-US-CA-Mountain View
Req ID: 1080233