We are seeking Postdoctoral Appointees to join our dynamic team to develop creative solutions to unique national security challenges. In the Global Chemical and Biological Security (GCBS) organization we build and strengthen knowledge for the responsible use of chemicals, biologicals, equipment, and expertise at research facilities, bio-containment laboratories, small to medium chemical industrial sites, and in government. We do this primarily through international capability building engagements and critical global, regional, and country-specific chemical and biological security risk analysis.

The selected applicant(s) will have the opportunity to expand their technical background to include topics such as: chemical/biological safety and security risk management; chemical/biological inventory management practices; know-your-customer practices; know-your-supplier practices; chemical/biological material risk prioritization; and information control and management.

The successful Postdoctoral candidate(s) will be considered individually for two different tracks: chemical security and biological security.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Build an understanding of US National Security interests as well as those of various foreign countries and international organizations pertaining to the global goal of eliminating chemical/biological weapons and preventing misuse of dual-use materials.

• Research, evaluate, design, and develop system solutions addressing national security challenges. Provide sponsors with insight into making decisions in ill-defined or complex multi-domain problem spaces using critical thinking using technical skills and expertise.

• Support the development and delivery of international training in risk management-related topics through remote engagement platforms and face-to-face workshops; this could mean alternative work schedules to match international workday schedules.

• Write and edit activity reports, analytical reports, proposals, and other program-related documentation as required.

• Partner with other organizations at Sandia National Laboratories to identify new technical, organizational, or operational controls to manage chemical/biological security risks.

• Recognize active and latent issues that contribute to chemical/biological security events or can reasonably be assumed will in the future.

• Undertake international business travel to remote locations with limited amenities

Qualifications We Require:

• PhD in STEM, Chemical (e.g., chemistry or chemical engineering) or Chemical Education Sciences, Biological sciences, and Public Health

• Record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L security clearance

Qualifications We Desire:

• Interest in evaluating chemicals/biologicals with security concerns and related risk factors; performing facility assessments and making recommendations to mitigate the risks; and instructing foreign partners how to use tools and methodologies to secure their facilities.

• Interest in developing capacity and capability measurement frameworks for global chemical/biological security using quantitative and qualitative methods for impact evaluation and measurements.

• Demonstrated ability to tackle abstract problems and then identify and procure the resources (e.g. information, equipment, skills) needed to solve the problem.

• Experience successfully working with culturally and expertise-diverse groups of people.

• Demonstrated experience conducting independent technical work.

• Strong information management skills including the ability to independently search, retrieve, analyze and synthesize information and data from multiple sources.

• Proficiency with varied communication methods, including oral presentation, preparation of high-impact visual presentations, written reports, and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate scientific and technical information at a level tailored the audience

• Foreign language skills and the ability to interact with a technically diverse group of staff members

About Our Team:

We work with international partners to raise chemical and biological security risk awareness, identify emerging chemical security risks and controls intended to manage them. This department partners with organizations across the Sandia and external partners such as the Department of Defense's Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Department of State Chemical Security Program, US agencies, other implementers, international non-governmental organizations like INTERPOL and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and partner nations to advance US National Security objectives to impede, deter, and eliminate proliferation of chemical and biological weapons. GCBS executes projects in the following areas: security system analysis, design and implementation; chemical and biological risk prioritization; outbreak control and management; information control & management; training in the areas of biosafety, chemical safety, security, risk awareness, lab design and upgrades, disease surveillance and diagnostics, and related topics; and global, regional, and country-specific analysis and assessments. These projects involve both US interests as well as those of various foreign countries and international organizations. For more information, please visit https://gcbs.sandia.gov/

Sincerely,

Mary Beth