2024 PhD Graduate - Research Biological Scientist - Applied Biological Sciences - QLA - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Do you have expertise in the biological sciences and a desire to solve some of the hardest problems facing the Nation?

Are you passionate about characterizing emerging biological threats, from surveillance and modeling to molecular detection and multi-omic analysis?

If you are graduating with a PhD degree in the biological sciences, including Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioaerosol Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Genetics, Public Health, Epidemiology, or related disciplines we'd love to have you join our team! 

JHU/APL works across the US Government applying the full spectrum of science and engineering to improve the nation’s ability to understand and safely mitigate biological threats. We partner closely across the whole of the Johns Hopkins enterprise, and with collaborators in government, academia, and industry, to develop innovative science and technology solutions to bio-security challenges. We strive to ensure the health of individuals and the nation through applied research, which drives development and implementation of ground-breaking capabilities in sensing and detection, threat characterization, modeling and simulation, and more. We are passionate about getting the right solution to our sponsors and end users, and are committed to integrity and honesty. We act as a trusted agent for the government and foster an environment of trust, transparency, and accountability. At JHU/APL, you will be among creative thinkers, motivated problem solvers and life-long learners that want to strengthen the safety and security of our country and our warfighters.

As a member of our team your primary responsibility will be to contribute to a variety of research, development, and characterization projects to help understand and mitigate biological threats faced in field-forward and clinical environments, including emerging infectious diseases.

As a research biological scientist you will:

• Participate in both small and large teams and have the opportunity to work in a variety of laboratory and analytical environments
• Write technical reports and publications, and publish/present results to the scientific community
• Communicate key findings both internally across teams and externally to the broader research community while contributing on diverse and high-performing teams
• Leverage novel findings to advance mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of infectious disease on public and warfighter health, including development of detection and surveillance strategies
• Contribute to a strong team in the design and execution of interdisciplinary efforts using cutting edge methods and technologies

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you meet some or all of the following:

• PhD in Biology, Biomechanical Engineering, Biophysics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Public Health, Epidemiology or related biological or engineering disciplines
• Demonstrated laboratory skills in your field
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis methods and experimental design
• Willing and able to work in Biosafety level 2 laboratories
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous assignments and priorities
• Experience with general laboratory equipment and methods
• Experience with eukaryotic tissue culture and/or microbial culture
• Able to obtain Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you also have...

• Experience working with pathogens, including in Biosafety level 3 laboratory environments
• Experience with Design of Experiments
• Demonstrated programming experience with Matlab, Labview, Python, R, or other scientific language or package
• Demonstrated skills with advanced data analytics and modeling environments

Why work at JHU/APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.