Research Associate - Microbiology and NGS

Parsons; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 88,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

Parsons seeks a Research Associate – Microbiology and NGS to support infectious-disease research at NMRC BDRD. The role involves microbiology procedures, NGS library prep, and collaboration with scientists and bioinformatics personnel in a biodefense program.

You will document results, troubleshoot experiments, and assist with protocol development while traveling as needed. A strong background in biology and lab records is required.

Qualifications

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or a relevant field.
• At least five years of relevant microbiology experience.
• At least three years of hands-on experience with bacteriophages and/or NGS techniques.
• Ability to maintain accurate scientific records and follow approved protocols.
• U.S. citizenship due to federal contract requirements.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (2–4 weeks).
• On-site work at Fort Detrick with potential security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiology and molecular-biology laboratory procedures supporting infectious-disease research.
• Process clinical, environmental, bacterial, viral, bacteriophage, or other research samples.
• Support NGS library preparation, sequencing, and QC activities.
• Assist with bacteriophage isolation, sequencing, characterization, or host-related studies.
• Conduct sample preparation and laboratory testing under approved protocols and SOPs.
• Assist with wet-laboratory protocol development, optimization, and standardization.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, sample records, inventories, and electronic files.
• Analyze experimental results and communicate findings to scientists and technical leads.
• Troubleshoot laboratory methods, instruments, and sample-processing issues.
• Support the preparation of protocols, SOPs, technical reports, presentations, and publications.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and follow all applicable safety and quality requirements.
• Travel domestically or internationally to support partner laboratories or field activities when required.

Skills

Microbiology procedures

NGS techniques

Laboratory documentation

Analytical reasoning

Teamwork

Travel willingness

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Biological Sciences

Tools

Illumina sequencing

PacBio sequencing

Laboratory instrumentation

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 a Research Associate – Microbiology and NGS to support laboratory research at NMRC BDRD. The position will contribute to infectious-disease research involving microbiology, bacteriophages, NGS, pathogen detection, sample processing, and genomic characterization.

The selected candidate will perform laboratory procedures, maintain accurate scientific records, troubleshoot experiments, and collaborate with scientists and bioinformatics personnel supporting biodefense and biosurveillance programs.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform microbiology and molecular-biology laboratory procedures supporting infectious-disease research.

• Process clinical, environmental, bacterial, viral, bacteriophage, or other research samples.

• Support NGS library preparation, sequencing, and associated quality-control activities.

• Assist with bacteriophage isolation, sequencing, characterization, or host-related studies.

• Conduct sample preparation and laboratory testing under approved protocols and SOPs.

• Assist with wet-laboratory protocol development, optimization, and standardization.

• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, sample records, inventories, and electronic files.

• Analyze experimental results and communicate findings to scientists and technical leads.

• Troubleshoot laboratory methods, instruments, and sample-processing issues.

• Support the preparation of protocols, SOPs, technical reports, presentations, and publications.

• Maintain laboratory equipment and follow all applicable safety and quality requirements.

• Travel domestically or internationally to support partner laboratories or field activities when required.

What Required Skills You’ll Bring

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or a relevant field.

• At least five years of relevant microbiology experience.

• At least three years of hands-on experience with bacteriophages and/or NGS techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to perform microbiology or molecular-biology laboratory procedures.

• Ability to maintain accurate scientific records and follow approved protocols.

• Strong communication, organization, troubleshooting, and teamwork skills.

• Availability for national and international travel of up to two to four weeks.

• Ability to adjust work hours occasionally for time-sensitive experiments.

• U.S. citizenship due to federal contract requirements.

• Ability to satisfy the applicable background investigation, CAC, facility-access, and Government system-access requirements.

What Desired Skills You’ll Bring

• Experience supporting pathogen sequencing, biosurveillance, or infectious-disease research.

• Experience with Illumina, PacBio, or ONT sequencing technologies.

• Experience with clinical, environmental, wastewater, vector, or animal samples.

• Experience with bacteriophage isolation, host-range testing, or genome characterization.

• Experience supporting NMRC, DoD, or another federal research laboratory.

• Experience with human-subject or animal-use research.

• Experience working with international partners or in resource-limited settings.

• Current Government facility or system access.

Compliance Note

This position is expected to be primarily on-site at Fort Detrick and is contingent upon contract award. The PWS does not expressly require a Secret clearance for this labor category, but applicable background investigation and access requirements will apply. Security language 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: $88,400.00 - $154,700.00

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, and 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.

About Us

Parsons is a digitally enabled solutions provider focused on the defense, security, and infrastructure markets. With nearly 75 years of experience, Parsons is uniquely qualified to deliver cyber/converged security, technology-based intellectual property, and other innovative services to federal, regional, and local government agencies, as well as to private industrial customers worldwide.

Parsons is an equal opportunity, drug-free employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veteran/LGBTQ+.

For more about Parsons, visit parsons.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.