Biological Systems Scientist

Battelle Memorial Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compressed schedule

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Family health coverage

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Battelle Memorial Institute seeks a Veterinarian II to join a multidisciplinary team conducting cutting-edge research under a large government contract in San Antonio, TX. You will design and lead experiments across microbial, human, and animal biology, mentoring staff and delivering technical reports and presentations.

You will collaborate with project managers and customers, develop technical work plans, and contribute to proposal development while ensuring safety and quality standards in a

Qualifications

• DVM/VMD or MMedVet with the indicated experience levels.
• Five or more years in a laboratory-based facility and ability to plan and conduct studies.
• Proven ability to perform experiments per SOPs.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to obtain and maintain government security clearances.
• Willingness to work in BSL-2 laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Identify, propose, and secure new projects to promote contract growth.
• Apply biochemistry/immunology experience to challenges.
• Lead lab efforts with small teams in a BSL-2 setting.
• Collaborate with project managers and customers on study objectives and deliverables.
• Perform advanced biological experiments and analyses.
• Translate data into key findings and insights.
• Maintain laboratory records per quality standards and safety requirements.
• Mentor staff and share methods for tissue studies and imaging techniques.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders; communicate progress clearly.
• Present at conferences, peer reviews, and in publications.

Skills

DVM/VMD

Laboratory experience

SOP compliance

Oral & written comms

Security clearance

BSL-2 labs

Education

DVM/VMD or MMedVet

Tools

Histology

Fundus imaging

Slit lamp microscopy

Optical coherence tomography

Autorefraction

Retinal imaging software

Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

As a Veterinarian II, you will be joining a dynamic team performing cutting-edge research across multiple biological disciplines. Operating in a collaborative environment, you will provide invaluable support to a large government contract. You will drive capture activities through ideation and proposal development. You will be responsible for developing technical work plans and leading small teams, conducting research and testing on basic and applied principles of microbial, human, and animal life, including anatomy and function of biological systems in both simple and complex settings. Biological data related to structure, function, behavior, and tailored applications will be used to perform technical evaluations and/or assessments of biologics, biological mechanisms, or biological properties.

This position offers an exhilarating opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic, multidisciplinary team committed to advancing scientific knowledge and solving our customer’s toughest challenges.

This full-time position is contingent upon contract award and will be located in San Antonio, TX.

Responsibilities

• Leverage skills and education to identify, propose, and secure new projects to promote on contract growth.
• Apply experience in biochemistry or immunology to novel challenges.
• Design and lead laboratory efforts with small teams of laboratory staff working in a biological safety level (BSL)-2 environment.
• Work directly with project managers and customers to determine and refine study objectives and deliverables, including technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Perform advanced biological experiments, research and analysis.
• Solve complex problems, using existing solutions to derive new solutions and perspectives.
• Review, assimilate, collate, and translate data into key study findings. Identify gaps in current knowledge and leverage collective expertise and experience to drive the state of the art forward.
• Maintain laboratory and laboratory records in accordance with governing quality standards and safety/security requirements.
• Troubleshoot experiments using experience and scientific literature.
• Mentor lab personnel to determine the adverse effects of substances on living organisms and investigate the potential damaging effects of lasers on physiological systems. Examples include: development of new methods, ex vivo tissue studies, preparation of tissue for histology, fundus imaging/slit lamp microscopy/optical coherence tomography/autorefraction, Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging, use of custom-engineered software to map exposures on retinal imaging modalities, etc.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients through strong performance, timely delivery, and frequent communication.
• Participate in scientific conferences, peer review panels, and publications.

Some domestic travel is anticipated.

Key Qualifications

• DMV or VMD +2 years, or MMedVet +5 years of experience.
• Five or more years of experience in a laboratory-based facility and a proven ability to plan and conduct research studies.
• Proven ability to conduct experiments according to standard operating procedures.
• Practical, hands‑on experience with ex vivo tissue studies, including histology, fundus imaging/slit lamp microscopy, optical coherence tomography, autorefraction, and/or Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging. Experience investigating potential effects of substances or lasers on physiological systems and living organisms.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to propose and secure research funding.
• Ability to succinctly assimilate and communicate complex scientific data for customer and end user needs.
• Ability to work in a team environment, mentor and train other staff members, and openly collaborate with colleagues across multiple disciplines.
• Sole U.S. citizenship, with the ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances as a condition of employment.
• Ability and willingness to work in BSL-2 laboratories.
• Sufficiently medically fit to work in the laboratory to perform assigned duties including the ability to wear personal protection equipment (PPE), lift up to 50 pounds, and work in the proximity of hazardous/infectious materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently possesses or has held (and can reinstate) government security clearance.
• Experience working within laboratory quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO17025, GLP).

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together : Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers