Biologist I

Battelle; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 66,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Tuition assistance

401(k)

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Battelle is seeking a Biologist I to join a dynamic team conducting cutting-edge research across disciplines in Washington, DC. The role involves executing established methods, preparing samples, operating analytical instruments, and contributing to data review and interpretation under quality procedures.

The position supports environmental sample processing and threat characterization, with emphasis on timely, accurate laboratory output and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or at least 20 semester hours of relevant coursework in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• At least two years of professional experience performing sample analysis work using complex chemical or biological techniques.
• Proven ability to conduct laboratory experiments in accordance with written procedures.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Sole U.S. citizenship, with ability to obtain security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments following SOPs and quality frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001:2015).
• Support lab testing to develop or adapt methods.
• Independently perform and troubleshoot sample preparation and analysis with guidance from senior scientists.
• Assist in preparing data tables, figures, and interpretations for reports and client meetings.
• Interact professionally with internal and external clients, leadership, and team members.
• Assist with materials inventory/ordering, equipment maintenance, scheduling, etc.
• Follow safety guidelines to work with hazardous/infectious materials.
• Some domestic travel is possible but not anticipated.

Skills

Lab techniques

SOP compliance

Data recording

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or 20 credits in biology/chemistry

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

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 Biologist I, you will be joining a dynamic team performing cutting‑edge research across multiple disciplines. Operating in a collaborative environment, you will provide invaluable support to a large government contract performing routine and non‑routine laboratory analyses in support of environmental sample processing and threat characterization activities. This role is responsible for executing established methods, preparing and handling samples, operating analytical instrumentation, documenting results, and supporting data review and interpretation. You will contribute directly to timely, accurate laboratory output while following approved procedures, quality standards, and chain‑of‑custody requirements. This full‑time position is contingent upon contract award and will be in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments in accordance with structured regulatory and quality frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001:2015) following Standard Operating Procedures
• Support laboratory testing to develop new methods and/or adapt published assays to new purposes
• Independently perform and troubleshoot sample preparation and analysis methods with guidance from senior scientists.
• Assist in preparing technical data tables, figures, and interpretations for reports and presentations, peer reviewed publications, and client meetings
• Interact professionally with internal and external clients, leadership, and team members
• Assist with materials inventory/ordering, equipment maintenance, experimental scheduling, etc.
• Follow established safety guidelines to safely work with hazardous/infectious (RG2) materials
• Some domestic travel is possible but not anticipated.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or at least 20 semester hours of relevant coursework in biology, chemistry, or a related field
• At least two years of professional experience performing sample analysis work using complex chemical or biological science techniques following standard operating procedures.
• Proven ability to conduct laboratory experiments in accordance with written procedures
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Self‑motivated and able to work in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Sufficiently medically fit to work in the laboratory to perform assigned duties including the ability to wear personal protection equipment (PPE), lift up to 25 pounds, and work in the proximity of hazardous/infectious materials
• Sole U.S. citizenship, with the ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances as a condition of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within laboratory quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 17025, 21 CFR Part 58 GLP)
• Experience drafting and performing experimental methods
• Active or previously held security clearance

Salary Range

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $66,000 - $93,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary 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

• 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