Associate Scientist – Biomaterials

AeroVironment, Inc.; Bath Township (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Biological Materials and Processing Research Team at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

You will work on biomaterials development, molecular biology, and protein characterization under experienced scientists to advance Air Force-relevant applications. The role emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across chemists, microbiologists, and engineers, with opportunities to grow technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology or a related field.
• Academic, internship, or research experience with molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with recombinant protein purification and affinity chromatography (GST, His-tag).
• Experience with gel electrophoresis for protein and nucleic acid analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support identification, characterization, and evaluation of genes, proteins, and biological materials.
• Perform molecular biology and biochemical procedures per established protocols.
• Assist expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant proteins and peptides.
• Prepare samples and materials for experiments; maintain lab records and data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team and communicate results.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Biology/Chemistry

Tools

Affinity chromatography

Gel electrophoresis

Protein purification

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Associate Scientist – Biological Materials and Processing Position Overview

AeroVironment is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join the Biological Materials and Processing Research Team at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. The successful candidate will support a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers conducting research focused on the development of novel biomaterials and biosynthetic approaches for Air Force-relevant applications. The Associate Scientist will work under the direction of experienced scientists and engineers and will contribute to laboratory research involving molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, protein characterization, and biomaterials processing. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field and a strong interest in developing practical laboratory and research skills. This position provides an opportunity to work collaboratively with Materials Scientists, Engineers, Bioinformaticians, Chemists, and Microbiologists while gaining experience with a variety of research techniques and analytical methods. As projects evolve, the Associate Scientist may have opportunities to expand their technical knowledge and contribute to additional biomaterials research activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support laboratory research activities related to the identification, characterization, and evaluation of genes, proteins, and biological materials.
• Perform established molecular biology and biochemical procedures in accordance with written protocols and guidance from senior researchers.
• Assist with the expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant proteins and peptides using established laboratory techniques, including affinity chromatography.
• Perform protein and nucleic acid analysis using gel electrophoresis and related laboratory methods.
• Assist with investigations of chemical and biological protein modifications using established experimental procedures.
• Prepare samples, reagents, and materials for laboratory experiments and research activities.
• Assist with the characterization and evaluation of materials using laboratory analytical techniques and instrumentation, including DMA, TGA, DSC, and microscopy, as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and thorough laboratory records, including experimental procedures, observations, measurements, and results.
• Analyze and document experimental data using established methods and appropriate productivity and analytical tools.
• Communicate research methods, observations, and results to team members through written documentation, informal discussions, and presentations.
• Participate in technical discussions and contribute ideas and observations to support ongoing biotechnology and biomaterials research.
• Collaborate effectively with scientists and engineers from diverse technical disciplines and professional backgrounds.
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures, quality requirements, and organizational policies.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, work areas, samples, and research materials in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support team and program objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required.
• Academic, laboratory, internship, or research experience with molecular biology and biochemical techniques.
• Familiarity with recombinant protein and peptide purification techniques, including affinity chromatography such as GST and His-tag purification.
• Familiarity with gel electrophoresis techniques used for the separation, visualization, and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids.
• Familiarity with laboratory techniques used to prepare, analyze, and characterize biological or biomaterial samples.
• Ability to follow established written protocols and laboratory procedures accurately and consistently.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and organized laboratory records.
• Basic quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn new scientific techniques, instrumentation, and research methods.
• Familiarity with productivity software such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace for email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, file sharing, and virtual collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research or laboratory experience involving molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, protein science, or biomaterials.
• Experience with protein expression and purification.
• Experience with molecular cloning or related molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with microscopy techniques, including light microscopy, confocal microscopy, or scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Familiarity with thermal and mechanical characterization techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
• Experience working in an academic, government, or industrial research laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to learn and apply established scientific methods and laboratory procedures. Ability to collect, organize, and interpret experimental data with appropriate guidance. Ability to recognize unexpected results or experimental issues and communicate them to senior team members. Ability to manage multiple laboratory tasks while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment. Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical team members. Demonstrated curiosity and interest in scientific research and development. Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and learn new techniques as research requirements evolve.

Work Environment

This position involves working primarily in a laboratory and research environment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The employee will work with biological materials, laboratory equipment, analytical instrumentation, and computer-based research and documentation systems. The position requires adherence to applicable laboratory safety procedures, security requirements, and organizational policies. The Associate Scientist will work under established procedures and the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers while progressively developing the knowledge and skills necessary to perform increasingly complex research activities.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is: $69,500 - $106,000

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR 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.

ITAR U.S. Citizenship required

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.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

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.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment