Biological Materials & Processes Research Team Lead (BioRT Lead)

Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 1700 EST on 2 January 2024.  Position is open to Federal Civilian Employees Only.

The AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate seeks to hire a motivated and experienced senior-level General Natural Resources Management and Biological Scientist (0401), Microbiologist (0403), Bioengineer (0858), Chemical Engineer (0893), General Engineer (0801), Materials Engineer (0806), General Physical Scientist (1301), Chemist (1320), or related Job Series to serve as the Biological Materials & Processes Research Team Lead (BioRT Lead) in the Biomaterials Branch of the Photonic, Electronic & Soft Materials Division (RXE) at the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This position will be filled at the DR-03 or DR-04 level and is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

NOTE:  Must use MM/DD/YYYY date format for experience entries on resume.

For resume writing tips, facts about the federal hiring process and additional resources, visit:  https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/

Mission & Scope of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX) Research Teams (RT): RTs are consolidated competency-based teams of professional researchers focused on visionary, break-through, use-inspired scientific research with high impact to Department of Air Force (DAF) mission. Use-inspired research is bounded as research spanning understanding fundamental concepts through proof-of-concept knowledge application for DAF-specific needs. The RT construct works in conjunction with supervisory and technical management to ensures the directorate has technically engaged and competent in-house S&E practitioners with the agility and flexibility to respond to unanticipated technical mission needs.

Team Lead position roles & duties include, but are not limited to:

• Applies expert knowledge to in-house and extramural research, development, and demonstration of biological materials and processes technologies in areas such as biomaterials, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, omics, biosensors, among others.
• Ensures high quality and relevance by personal oversight and personal technical contributions. Publishes peer-reviewed scientific papers and authoritative technical documents.
• Stays abreast of the leading edge of biological sciences scientific discoveries, tendencies and biotechnology applications to develop and communicate an executable research strategy.
• Leads the exploration of biological materials and processes to generate novel functional materials, devices and systems, the study of bio-interfaces, biofilms and microbiomes, metabolic pathways, as well as the exploration of new synthetic biology methodologies to manipulate the metabolism of model and non-model microorganisms.
• Leads research efforts including structure-property studies, development and processing of biomaterials, surface functionalization of films/particles with biologically active components, thin film growth/deposition of biologically active materials, culturing, biological based wet chemistry for development of responsive materials and systems, and exploration of applicability for Air Force systems.
• Focuses on the development and application of integrated modeling and simulation tools with advanced experimentation to accelerate the development of biological materials and processes.
• Assesses and implements the appropriate level of computational (bioinformatics, modeling & simulations, ML/AI) tools, omics technologies, and scale-up biomanufacturing processes technologies needed to accelerate or support biomaterial research and development.
• Is responsible for financial management, planning, and execution of the research team budget. 
• Works with line managers, program managers, and the corporate planning process to integrate the research teams efforts with the broader RX strategy, technology program and financial/business processes.
• Actively engages organizational planning activities within the Branch, Directorate, Air Force, DoD, and other governmental agencies and provides input into future requirements and roadmaps.
• Leads and facilitates the execution of the day-to-day technical activities within the team, engages with AFOSR, ONR, DARPA and other fundamental and applied science organizations to support fundamental research activities, identifies potential technology transitions within the larger RX strategy, and advocates for the initiation of new research areas.
• Collaborates with AFRL, DoD, academic, and industry experts in related fields to expedite technology transition and transfer.
• Supports the broader mission by serving as a trusted consultant and advisor within the DAF, the DoD and the national technology arena, and supports customer needs by leading long-term research activities.
• Helps lead professional engineering and scientific work to transition developed technologies to Air Force and Space Force systems.
• Leads and mentors government research scientists. Fosters a culture of productive collaboration and coordination across RX.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for telework opportunities; as determined by agency policy

Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree, in a relevant technical field, from an accredited (or ABET accredited for engineering) academic institution.
• Special Sensitive Position designation (Top Secret-SCI), must have or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing
• Must have Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) Non-Critical certification in Engineering & Technical Management or obtain within 60 months of assignment
• Selectee is required to submit annual Confidential Financial Disclosure (OGE Form 450)

Desired Qualifications

• Extensive technical expertise and experience related to biomaterials research and development
• Experience as leader of transdisciplinary researchers teams (various labor series, academic degrees, and job skill certifications), including creating an effective culture for innovation
• Demonstrated ability to lead people, build consensus, and identify and resolve conflicts/problems within R&D teams
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with research personnel and senior leaders
• Experience working with or within the Department of Defense research community
• Experience working on Office of the Secretary of Defense projects or on Congressional Interest Items

When uploading documents, please utilize the naming convention listed below.  The Requisition Number for this announcement is 85911.

• Resume:  Req No_Last Name_First Name_Resume
• Transcript:  Req No_Last Name_First Name_Transcript
• Latest SF50:  Req No_Last Name_First Name_SF50

Acceptable file types:  .docx, .pdf

Series

0401

0403

0801

0806

0858

0893

1301

1320

Other