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AeroVironment

Robot type
Drone · Defense
Location
USA
Job type
Artificial Intelligence
Posted
Sep 14, 2026
Full-time

research Scientist-Molecular Biologist

Job description

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.

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.

Job responsibilities

  • 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…
  • 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.

Job requirements

  • 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.
  • 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.
Apply on AeroVironment websiteSave

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