Associate Microbiologist

Overview

Do you marvel at the complexity of biology and seek to leverage microbiology in creative ways? We’re looking for someone who wants to explore the microbes that enable our daily lives and are pivotal to our National Security. Join our team in the Biological Sciences Group at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. This role is a Microbiology Associate that will focus on engineering microbial metabolic pathways.

• Drive experimental execution across projects involving engineering of non-model microbes.
• Work with a variety of non-lab adapted yeast and bacterial microbial systems.
• Assist and collaborate with scientists in support of laboratory-based experimentation.
• Develop, troubleshoot, and optimize experimental protocols and study design.
• Assist with basic laboratory functions, including lab cleanliness, organization, and equipment upkeep.
• Provide leadership in the development of new opportunities and support internal initiatives, driving technical innovation and growth in areas relevant to APL sponsors.
• Communicate key findings both internally at team meetings and externally to sponsors.
• Present data to interdisciplinary groups and department management.

• Have a B.S. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a similar field.
• 1+ year of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience culturing a variety of bacteria and yeast.
• Experience designing, running, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
• Proficiency in basic molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA manipulation and analysis, qPCR, assay development, microscopy techniques, and microbial cell culture.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately a TS/SCI clearance. U.S. citizenship required.

• M.S. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a similar field with at least 3 years of laboratory experience.
• Experience working with non-lab adapted microbial strains, such as Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Corynebacterium glutamicum.
• Expertise culturing and manipulating anaerobic microbes.
• Experience with assays characterizing microbial surface colonization and biofilm formation.
• Experience in genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, or biomaterials.
• Experience with environmental microbiology, fungi, or microbiome systems.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We are dedicated to solving complex problems and pioneering new technologies with a vibrant, welcoming culture.

We celebrate diverse perspectives and encourage creativity and bold ideas. Employees enjoy generous benefits, an education assistance program, robust retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. Our campus is located in the Baltimore–Washington metro area.

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 Accessibility.

$85,000 annually

$195,000 annually