Associate Microbiologist

Do you marvel at the complexity of biology and seek to leverage microbiology in creative ways?

Do you want to explore the microbes that enable our daily lives and are pivotal to our National Security?

Do you love contributing your microbiology subject matter expertise to an interdisciplinary team of scientists, focused on application development for National Defense?

If you answered yes to these questions, we're looking for someone like you to join our team in the Biological Sciences Group, here at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.

We are seeking a highly motivated microbiologist to contribute to a team focused on engineering microbial metabolic pathways.

As part of the Biological Sciences Group, in the Research Exploratory Development Department, you will be at the forefront of APL's mission to provide impactful contributions to critical challenges. You will contribute to building outstanding expertise in molecular biology, in the pursuit of challenges in national security.

As a Microbiology Associate you will...

• 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.
• Be a part of a team providing 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.
• Participate in the broader APL community by presenting data to interdisciplinary groups and to department management.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a B.S. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a similar field.
• 1+ year of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Have experience culturing a variety of bacteria and yeast.
• Have experience designing, running, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
• Are proficient in basic molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA manipulation and analysis, qPCR, assay development, microscopy techniques, and microbial cell culture.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI, level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

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

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.