Student Research Assistant – Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing

Job Description

AV Inc. is in need of a motivated student researcher to perform hands-on lab tasks in support of research initiatives in the Biological Materials and Processes Research Team at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. Alongside experts in their fields, successful applicants will be immersed into a world-class research laboratory where they can learn valuable research and professional skills from experts who are committed to mentorship.

Successful applicants will be interested and equipped to support multidisciplinary research on biotechnology, biomaterials manufacturing, and molecular biology (e.g., omics, synthetic biology, fermentation). This position has flexible work hours with up to 20 hr/week during the school year and up to 40 hr/week during the summer.

Supplemental

• Use a variety of scientific and engineering techniques to perform experiments addressing research questions related to multiple biological disciplines.
• Develop hardware and software for specialized liquid handling in support of biomolecule production, purification, and characterization.
• Conduct biochemical assays using developed liquid handling capability.
• Record organized notes of standard operating procedures, test protocols, and experimental results.
• Communicate results clearly and thoroughly in regular formal and informal presentations.

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate (junior or higher) or graduate STEM program focused on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, such as biology, microbiology, biotechnology, chemistry, materials science, bio/chemical engineering, or a related field.
• A willingness to learn new techniques and conduct experiments on a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow directions.
• Experience working with laboratory chemicals.
• Related laboratory or research experience.
• Competency in LabVIEW, Python, and Solidworks 3D modeling (or equivalent) and basic electrical circuit design
• Advanced chemistry coursework.
• This position is working within a government facility and requires US citizenship.

No Clearance

Aero Vironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.

Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on Aero Vironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Aero Vironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee.

See 22 CFR

• 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

• Medical
• Dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• 9/80 work schedule
• Paid holiday shutdown

For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul Mac Cready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. Aero Vironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

U.S. Citizenship required