Biological Laboratory Subject Matter Expert (SME) & Government Liaison

The Biological Laboratory Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide specialized expertise in biological laboratory operations, scientific research methodologies, and project management. This role will support the development, design, and implementation of laboratory infrastructure, biosafety protocols, and project delivery for biological research facilities. The SME will ensure the quality, safety, and functionality of laboratories by working closely with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, laboratory personnel, and contractors to meet scientific, regulatory, and operational requirements.

As a Government Liaison, this position will serve as the primary in-country interface between the Program Management Office and the in-country government stakeholders, including the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and partner laboratories/institutes. The roles ensures that stakeholder coordination, host-nation compliance, and partner engagement are conducted effectively and in accordance with the task order requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

As BioLab SME:

• Provide technical and management expertise in designing, constructing, and commissioning biological and chemical research laboratory facilities.
• Lead the development of specifications for laboratory spaces, including containment laboratories (BSL-2/3), to align with safety, performance, and operational standards.
• Oversee installation, testing, and commissioning of laboratory equipment and environmental systems, ensuring compliance with laboratory and environmental safety regulations.
• Review and approve laboratory operational plans, procedures, and protocols related to safety, workflows, and functionality.
• Conduct risk assessments for laboratory operations, including identification and mitigation of biosafety hazards, to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to integrate engineering, architecture, and laboratory workflows into seamless and functional facility designs.
• Serve as an interface between clients, laboratory operators, contractors, and design/build teams to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Inspect laboratory build-outs to verify adherence to design, specifications, and operational requirements.
• Lead troubleshooting processes for system or equipment malfunctions during construction, commissioning, and operational start-up phases.
• Review cost estimates, timelines, and project risks to ensure adherence to project deliverables without compromising safety or standards.
• Develop and deliver training programs for laboratory management and personnel on biosafety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and emergency response plans.
• Participate in developing project submittals, proposals, and technical documents related to biological laboratory projects.
• Provide input on procurement planning for laboratory equipment, consumables, and materials, ensuring alignment with operational needs.
• Maintain awareness of global and regional regulatory standards (ISO, WHO, CDC, NIH) related to laboratory design, biosafety levels, and operational compliance.

As a government liaison:

• Act as the day-to-day point of coordination between the PMO and GPH stakeholders
• Facilitate the scheduling, coordination, and documentation of meetings, site visits, training events, and engagements with GPH stakeholders, supporting the preparation of itineraries, agendas, and minutes.
• Track, expedite, and record government approvals, concurrences, and flag emerging coordination or compliance issues.
• Advance partner coordination to support facility access, training delivery, and sustainment objectives, and support GPH concurrence for the Transfer of Property processes.
• Advise the Project Manager on the host-nation political, regulatory, cultural, and protocol considerations affecting program execution.
• Prepare correspondence and briefing materials, and coordinate translation/interpretation support as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Advanced degree in biological sciences, microbiology, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience working in biosafety or biological research laboratories, including BSL-2/3 facilities or equivalent.
• Deep understanding of laboratory design standards, biosafety principles, and regulatory guidelines for biological safety containment.
• Hands-on experience in project management, laboratory commissioning, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes.
• Strong understanding of HVAC, filtration, and waste management systems specifically designed for biological laboratories.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with a clear ability to assess risks and recommend effective solutions.
• Proficiency in preparing technical reports, operational plans, and biosafety documentation.
• Experience in team leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and stakeholder communication.
• Familiarity with training development and delivery for laboratory staff on operational procedures and safety protocols.
• Ability to travel or relocate, as needed, for project assignments and execution.
• Employees must read, speak, and comprehend English to the extent that they can perform the contract requirements and comply with installation emergency procedures

Highly Desired Skills and Experience

• Certifications or qualifications in biosafety, such as RBP (Registered Biosafety Professional), CBSP (Certified Biological Safety Professional), or equivalent.
• Experience working with facilities applying for or maintaining WHO/CDC/NIH certification for BSL facilities.
• Demonstrated experience in retrofitting, upgrading, or decommissioning existing hazardous containment laboratories for new operational requirements.
• Research expertise in areas such as virology, microbiology, or biotechnology, with publication experience in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience consulting or working on international laboratory projects.
• Proficiency in using modeling and design tools for facility layout or operational workflow optimization.

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel to project locations with periodic extended stays may be required during key stages of laboratory design, construction, or commissioning.
• OCONUS-based; willing to travel CONUS 10%
• Willing to work rotating shifts as needed, including nights and weekends

Additional notes

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of biological laboratory design and operation while ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards. Candidates with experience in multidisciplinary coordination and working on complex facility infrastructure projects are highly encouraged to apply.
• Ability to travel or relocate, as needed, for project assignments and execution
• Applicants must have authorization to work in host country.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety:Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks, and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality:Quality is the foundation of our business and the keystone of our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Each employee is required to conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts.

Procedure Compliance:Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job.