Senior Microbiologist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a highly motivated microbiologist to contribute to engineering microbial metabolic pathways, biocorrosion, and biomaterials. The role is within the Biological Sciences Group, Research Exploratory Development Department, advancing molecular biology expertise for national security challenges.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Microbiology or related field, with 1+ year experience in designing and running diverse biological assays, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biological Engineering, or a related field.
• 1+ year experience designing, running, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
• Web lab experience culturing, assaying, and manipulating bacterial species.
• Proficiency in basic molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA manipulation, qPCR, plate-reader assay development, and microscopy.
• Eligibility for Interim Secret clearance with possible TS/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to projects involving engineering of non-model microbes.
• Work with non-model fungi and bacterial systems.
• Lead projects and teams for both internally funded and externally funded efforts.
• Support new business development activities including concept development, proposal writing, and project execution.
• Provide leadership in developing new opportunities and driving technical innovation and growth.
• Present data to interdisciplinary groups and department management.

Skills

Assay design & troubleshooting

Molecular biology techniques

DNA/RNA manipulation

qPCR & plate-reader assays

Microscopy techniques

Bacterial culture

Education

PhD in Microbiology or related field

Job description

Description

Do you marvel at the complexity of biology and seek to leverage microbiology in creative ways? Do you want to explore the microbes that enable our daily lives and are pivotal to our national security? Do you love contributing your microbiology subject matter expertise to an interdisciplinary team of scientists, focused on application development for National Defense? If you answered yes to these questions, we're looking for someone like you to join our team in the Biological Sciences Group, here at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. We are seeking a highly motivated microbiologist to contribute to a team focused on engineering microbial metabolic pathways, biocorrosion, and biomaterials.

As part of the Biological Sciences Group in the Research Exploratory Development Department, you will be at the forefront of APL's mission to provide impactful contributions to critical challenges. You will contribute to building outstanding expertise in molecular biology in the pursuit of challenges in national security.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to projects involving engineering of non-model microbes.
• Work with a variety of non-model fungi and bacterial systems.
• Lead projects and teams for both internally funded and externally funded efforts in the research areas mentioned above.
• Support new business development activities to expand program scope within the Research and Exploratory Development Department and other business areas across APL, including concept development, proposal writing, and project execution.
• Provide leadership in the development of new opportunities and support internal initiatives, driving technical innovation and growth in areas relevant to APL sponsors.
• Participate in the broader APL community by presenting data to interdisciplinary groups and to department management.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with external sponsors.
• Assist and collaborate with scientists in support of laboratory-based experimentation.

Qualifications

• Have a PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biological Engineering, or a similar field.
• Have 1+ year experience designing, running, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
• Have web lab experience culturing, assaying, and manipulating bacterial species.
• Are proficient in basic molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA manipulation and analysis, qPCR and plate-reader assay development, and microscopy techniques.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Additional Qualifications

• Have experience working with non-model organisms like Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans.
• Have expertise culturing and manipulating anaerobic microbes.
• Have experience with assays characterizing microbial surface colonization and biofilm formation.
• Have previous experience in genetic engineering techniques, metabolic engineering, or biomaterials.
• Have experience with environmental microbiology, fungi, or microbiome systems.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $290,000 Annually