Biologist III

Battelle Memorial Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 98,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Battelle Memorial Institute in Washington, DC is seeking a Scientist III to join a dynamic team performing cutting-edge biological research under a large government contract. You will lead daily lab operations, assign tasks, ensure timely execution of methods, and oversee staff in a BSL-2 environment.

You will troubleshoot, guide assay performance, interact with project managers and customers, prepare reports, and contribute to scientific conferences and publications.

Qualifications

• BS degree in chemistry, biology, physical science, or related field.
• 4+ years in a lab-based facility with advisory/supervisory role.
• Experience conducting experiments per SOPs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain government security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily laboratory operations and coordinate staff in a BSL-2 setting.
• Analyze and review data, make technical decisions on results.
• Collaborate with project managers and customers on objectives and deliverables.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Mentor lab personnel and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Possibly travel domestically as required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Laboratory supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related physical science

Tools

LIMS

ISO 17025

GLP

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 Scientist III, 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 be the shift lead responsible for coordinating daily laboratory operations and directing staff performing sample analysis in support of the client's mission. In this technical leadership role, you will provide hands‑on leadership for laboratory workflow, assign and monitor analytical tasks, ensure timely and accurate execution of methods, and support continuity of operations during routine and surge activities. As a subject matter expert, the Shift Lead applies technical judgment to troubleshoot analytical issues, guide assay performance and acceptance decisions, and ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with established procedures, quality requirements, and operational priorities.

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 in Washington DC.

Responsibilities

• Leverage skills and education to identify, propose, and secure new projects to promote on‑contract growth.
• Become trained and certified to perform analysis on the laboratory instrumentation platform utilizing target specific techniques.
• Perform, analyze and review data and make technical decisions on the acceptability of the results
• Apply experience in biological sciences and chemistry.
• Design and lead 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 in key skill areas
• 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

• Minimum BS +4 years of experience in chemistry, biology, physical science or related field.
• Four or more years of experience in a laboratory-based facility serving in a scientific advisory and supervisory role with a proven ability to plan, lead and conduct research studies.
• Proven ability to conduct experiments according to standard operating procedures.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to serve as the on-site laboratory shift supervisor
• 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.
• 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 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

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

Salary Range

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $98,000 - $139,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including