Research Scientist-Molecular Biologist

Position Overview

In support of the Biomaterials Branch within the Foundational Technologies Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory, our multidisciplinary research team is seeking a versatile Research Scientist to support cutting-edge initiatives in biomaterials, protein engineering, biomanufacturing and small molecule production.

Regular

This role bridges standard microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The successful candidate will independently perform BSL-2 laboratory research focused on microbial physiology, molecular cloning, pathway/protein engineering, and recombinant protein expression and purification. As research projects evolve, you will have opportunities to expand your skillset into novel biomaterials development, high-throughput screening, and advanced molecular characterization.

• Design and execute molecular biology protocols including plasmid construction, cloning (Gibson, Golden Gate, Gateway, etc) recombinant expression, CRISPR/gene editing, nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) extraction, and target manipulation.
• Engineer proteins to optimize existing functions, alter performance parameters, or enable novel metabolic/biochemical functions for biomanufacturing and biomaterials applications.
• Perform upstream recombinant protein expression and downstream protein purification.

• Culture, isolate, and quantitatively monitor the growth of diverse bacterial and fungal strains in solid and liquid media using rigorous aseptic techniques in BSL-2 environments.
• Investigate genetic, biochemical, and physiological characteristics of standard and non-model microorganisms.
• Perform quantitative assays including PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, fluorescence assays, and light or confocal microscopy.
• Support method development, media preparation, and routine laboratory maintenance.

• Maintain meticulous research records and follow standard/electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation practices.
• Analyze complex biological data and troubleshoot experimental workflows, protocols, and equipment.
• Collaborate effectively across an interdisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, and computational scientists.
• Prepare data visualizations, figures, and technical reports for publications, client presentations, and conference dissemination.

• Education:
  
  Ph.D degree or M.S with 2+ years of experience in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required due to government facility access requirements.
• Technical
  
  Experience:
  • Proven experience in aseptic culture techniques and maintaining bacterial and/or fungal isolates in a BSL-2 setting.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in core molecular biology techniques (plasmid construction/cloning, nucleic acid isolation, PCR/qPCR).
  • Proved proficiency in protein expression and purification.
  • Strong quantitative analysis and experimental troubleshooting capabilities.

Candidates may not possess all of these qualifications; it is expected that they will have experience in some, but not necessarily all, of the listed areas.

• Biomaterials & Manufacturing:
  Experience in biomanufacturing pipelines, small molecule expression, or biomaterials synthesis.
• Specialized Organisms:
  Experience working with fungal biology, non-model organisms, or environmental microbial isolates.
• Advanced microscopy/imaging skills (e.g., Confocal, EM).
• Familiarity with laboratory automation systems or high-throughput assay development.
• Mentorship:
  Demonstrated ability to mentor junior laboratory members and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Fermentation Knowledge:
  Familiarity with bioreactor operation modes and during scale-up.

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A "U.S. person" according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, asylee.

See 22 CFR

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