research Scientist-Molecular Biologist

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Position Overview

In support of the Biomaterials Branch within the Foundational Technologies Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory, our multidisciplinary research team is seeking a versatile Research Scientist to support cutting-edge initiatives in biomaterials, protein engineering, biomanufacturing, and small molecule production.

This role bridges standard microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The successful candidate will independently perform BSL-2 laboratory research focused on microbial physiology, molecular cloning, pathway/protein engineering, and recombinant protein expression and purification. As research projects evolve, you will have opportunities to expand your skillset into novel biomaterials development, high-throughput screening, and advanced molecular characterization.

Key Responsibilities

Molecular Biology & Protein Engineering

• Design and execute molecular biology protocols including plasmid construction, cloning (Gibson, Golden Gate, Gateway, etc) recombinant expression, CRISPR/gene editing, nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) extraction, and target manipulation.
• Engineer proteins to optimize existing functions, alter performance parameters, or enable novel metabolic/biochemical functions for biomanufacturing and biomaterials applications.
• Perform upstream recombinant protein expression and downstream protein purification.

Microbiological & Biochemical Characterization

• Culture, isolate, and quantitatively monitor the growth of diverse bacterial and fungal strains in solid and liquid media using rigorous aseptic techniques in BSL-2 environments.
• Investigate genetic, biochemical, and physiological characteristics of standard and non-model microorganisms.
• Perform quantitative assays including PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, fluorescence assays, and light or confocal microscopy.
• Support method development, media preparation, and routine laboratory maintenance.

Operations, Data Analysis & Team Collaboration

• Maintain meticulous research records and follow standard/electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation practices.
• Analyze complex biological data and troubleshoot experimental workflows, protocols, and equipment.
• Collaborate effectively across an interdisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, and computational scientists.
• Prepare data visualizations, figures, and technical reports for publications, client presentations, and conference dissemination.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D degree or M.S with 2+ years of experience in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required due to government facility access requirements.
• Technical Experience: Proven experience in aseptic culture techniques and maintaining bacterial and/or fungal isolates in a BSL-2 setting. Demonstrated proficiency in core molecular biology techniques (plasmid construction/cloning, nucleic acid isolation, PCR/qPCR). Proved proficiency in protein expression and purification. Strong quantitative analysis and experimental troubleshooting capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates may not possess all of these qualifications; it is expected that they will have experience in some, but not necessarily all, of the listed areas.

• Biomaterials & Manufacturing: Experience in biomanufacturing pipelines, small molecule expression, or biomaterials synthesis.
• Specialized Organisms: Experience working with fungal biology, non-model organisms, or environmental microbial isolates.
• Advanced microscopy/imaging skills (e.g., Confocal, EM).
• Familiarity with laboratory automation systems or high-throughput assay development.
• Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to mentor junior laboratory members and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Fermentation Knowledge: Familiarity with bioreactor operation modes and during scale-up.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR