Senior Research Scientist - Genomics and Infectious Diseases

Parsons; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Parsons seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead genomics and infectious diseases programs for the Naval Medical Research Command at Fort Detrick, MD. This senior role directs multidisciplinary research in pathogen detection, genomics, and bioinformatics, while managing personnel and budgets under government oversight.

The candidate will collaborate with government teams, travel domestically and internationally, and contribute to force health protection and biodefense initiatives. U.S.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, biology, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years in molecular biology or genomics.
• Experience with whole-genome sequencing.
• Experience managing research programs and personnel.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Secret clearance.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead basic and applied research involving molecular biology, genomics, microbiology, virology, and emerging infectious diseases.
• Design studies and analytical approaches for pathogen detection and characterization.
• Provide senior technical direction for whole-genome sequencing and related activities.
• Guide wet-lab and bioinformatics protocol development and improvements.
• Review data, resolve issues, and ensure reproducible results.
• Collaborate with government personnel and lab partners; travel as required.

Skills

Genomics

Molecular biology

Virology

NGS

Bioinformatics

Scientific leadership

Project management

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology or closely related field

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 Senior Research Scientist - Genomics and Infectious Diseases to support the Biological Defense Research Directorate within the Naval Medical Research Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland. This key-personnel position will provide senior scientific leadership for research involving genomics, molecular biology, infectious diseases, biosurveillance, pathogen characterization, and whole-genome sequencing.

The successful candidate will help guide multidisciplinary research supporting U.S. biodefense, force health protection, emerging-pathogen detection, pandemic preparedness, and the development of analytical methods. The position will also support the management of scientific personnel and research resources while preserving the Government's authority over inherently governmental decisions.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead basic and applied research involving molecular biology, genomics, microbiology, virology, and emerging infectious diseases.
• Design scientifically rigorous studies, experimental methods, and analytical approaches supporting pathogen detection and characterization.
• Provide senior technical direction for whole-genome sequencing and related laboratory and analytical activities.
• Support genomics and metagenomics studies involving pathogens, near neighbors, bacteriophages, and complex samples.
• Guide the development and improvement of wet-laboratory and bioinformatics protocols.
• Review scientific data, resolve technical issues, and ensure research methods produce accurate and reproducible results.
• Support epidemic, pandemic, and emerging-threat research and response activities.
• Train and mentor contractor scientists, technicians, and support personnel.
• Coordinate contractor research activities, budgets, supplies, equipment, and laboratory inventories, subject to Government approval.
• Prepare or review scientific reports, protocols, manuscripts, presentations, and funding-support materials.
• Collaborate with Government personnel and CONUS and OCONUS laboratory partners.
• Travel domestically and internationally, including to potentially austere or resource‑limited environments.

What Required Skills You'll Bring

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, biology, microbiology, virology, emerging infectious diseases, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Practical postdoctoral research experience in virology and bacteriology.
• At least 10 years of extensive, demonstrable experience in molecular biology or genomics.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic and applied research, experimental design, and scientific methods.
• Demonstrated ability to perform original, competent research, including whole-genome sequencing.
• Demonstrated experience managing research programs and training scientific and technical personnel.
• Experience coordinating research expenses, supplies, and laboratory inventories.
• Strong written and verbal communication, scientific leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work under deadlines and travel nationally and internationally for periods of up to two to four weeks.
• Ability to provide occasional after-hours support based on assigned mission requirements.
• U.S. citizenship due to federal contract requirements.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance and required Government facility and system access.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring

• Experience supporting NMRC, Navy Medicine, DoD, or another federal research laboratory.
• Experience with biodefense, biosurveillance, force health protection, or emerging infectious diseases.
• Experience with NGS of clinical, environmental, wastewater, animal, vector, or bacteriophage samples.
• Experience with genome assembly, annotation, phylogenetics, or molecular epidemiology.
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary wet-laboratory and bioinformatics teams.
• Experience supporting international laboratories or research in resource‑limited settings.
• Scientific publications, conference presentations, or demonstrated research leadership.
• An active Secret security clearance.

Compliance Note

This position is expected to be primarily on-site at Fort Detrick, Maryland, and is contingent upon contract award. U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret security clearance are required. The selected candidate must satisfy applicable background investigation, CAC, facility‑access, IT‑access, laboratory‑safety, and research‑training requirements. Participation in assigned rotational reach-back coverage may be required outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Security Clearance Requirement:

None