Research Assistant- Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Parsons; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision

Paid time off

401(k)

Life insurance

Flexible work schedules

Holidays

Job summary

Parsons seeks Research Assistants in microbiology and molecular biology to support infectious-disease and biosurveillance research at NMRC BDRD. You will perform routine microbiology and molecular biology procedures, handle samples, and assist with sequencing workflows, data summaries, and SOPs.

You will work with scientists, research associates, and bioinformatics staff in a multidisciplinary government lab environment, with on-site responsibilities at Fort Detrick and periodic travel as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field is required.
• At least two years of relevant microbiology experience.
• Ability to follow detailed research protocols and keep accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiology and molecular biology procedures.
• Collect, process, label, and track research samples.
• Support nucleic-acid extraction, PCR, library prep, sequencing, and QC.
• Assist with various sample types and maintain lab materials.
• Record procedures, observations, and deviations accurately.

Skills

Microbiology experience

Laboratory skills

Record keeping

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Tools

PCR instruments

Sequencing platforms

Nucleic acid extraction kits

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is seeking Research Assistants - Microbiology and Molecular Biology to support infectious-disease, genomics, and biosurveillance research at NMRC BDRD. These positions will provide hands‑on laboratory support for sample processing, molecular and microbiological methods, sequencing workflows, and research documentation.

Selected candidates will work with scientists, research associates, and bioinformatics personnel in a multidisciplinary Government laboratory environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Perform routine microbiology and molecular‑biology procedures under approved protocols.
• Collect, receive, process, label, and track research samples.
• Support nucleic‑acid extraction, PCR, library preparation, sequencing, and quality‑control activities.
• Assist with clinical, environmental, wastewater, bacterial, viral, animal, vector, or bacteriophage samples as assigned.
• Prepare reagents, media, supplies, and laboratory materials.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment in accordance with SOPs.
• Record experimental procedures, observations, results, and deviations accurately.
• Maintain sample, reagent, supply, and equipment inventories.
• Support protocol optimization, validation studies, and troubleshooting.
• Assist with preparation of data summaries, reports, posters, presentations, and SOPs.
• Follow laboratory safety, quality, data‑handling, and research‑compliance requirements.
• Support domestic or international field and partner‑laboratory activities when required.

What Required Skills You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in biology or a relevant biomedical‑sciences field.
• At least two years of relevant microbiology experience.
• Practical laboratory skills and the ability to follow detailed research protocols.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory and sample records.
• Strong organizational, communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work under deadlines in a research‑laboratory environment.
• Ability to adjust work hours occasionally for time‑sensitive experiments.
• Availability for domestic and international travel lasting up to two to four weeks.
• U.S. citizenship due to federal contract requirements.
• Ability to satisfy applicable background investigation, CAC, facility‑access, and system‑access requirements.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring

• Experience with molecular biology, PCR, nucleic‑acid extraction, or NGS workflows.
• Experience with infectious‑disease pathogens or biosurveillance.
• Experience with clinical, environmental, wastewater, vector, animal, or bacteriophage samples.
• Experience maintaining laboratory inventories and scientific records.
• Experience supporting human‑subject or animal‑use research.
• Experience in an NMRC, DoD, federal, academic, or public‑health laboratory.
• Experience traveling or working in resource‑limited environments.
• Current Government facility or system access.

Compliance Note

These positions are expected to be primarily on‑site at Fort Detrick and are contingent upon contract award. The PWS does not expressly require a Secret clearance for this labor category. Applicable background investigation and access requirements must be validated before publication. Occasional schedule adjustments may be required for time‑sensitive experiments, sample processing, field activities, or emerging mission needs.

Security Clearance Requirement

None

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close‑knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range:

$55,300.00 - $96,800.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best‑in‑class benefits such as.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• paid time off
• 401(k)
• life insurance
• flexible work schedules
• holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our emp