Senior Scientist - Bioengineering

Description

Are you driven to solve hard problems with advances in biotechnology?

Are you passionate about being on the forefront of novel applications for biohybrid systems and new approach methodologies (NAMs)?

Are you excited to collaborate across technical teams to deliver rapid, scalable solutions to our Nation's challenges in security and health?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Applied Biological Sciences Group (QLA), located within the Asymmetric Operations Sector (AOS), is committed to APL's mission to provide critical contributions to critical challenges. JHU/APL is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to lead applied research at the forefront of biotechnology, bioengineering, and advanced in vitro model systems. The candidate will integrate deep technical expertise in molecular and cellular biology to advance solutions in National Defense, biosecurity, and human health. This role is ideal for a multidisciplinary leader passionate about applying biotechnology to develop biohybrid systems, biomanufacturing approaches, and sensing that bridge molecular-scale technologies with system-level applications. We are a hard-working team that tackles ambitious problems, spanning scientific disciplines and engineering approaches. We believe in strong and collaborative relationships, and we strive to foster a work environment of safety, trust, confidence, teamwork, and accountability. We are passionate about getting the right solution to our sponsors and end users and are committed to integrity and honesty. We strive to be a trusted agent for the government and cultivate an environment of trust, transparency, and accountability. At APL, you will be among creative thinkers, motivated problem solvers, and life-long learners that want to strengthen the safety and security of our Nation and our warfighters.

As a Senior Bioengineer, you will:

• Engineer genomes for model development and multi-disciplinary applications (e.g., production of complex proteins, peptides, or biologics).
• Develop and utilize advanced in vitro models (organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS), and organ-on-chip platforms) to tackle sponsor challenges.
• Design and construct bio-inspired systems for sensing and modeling applications by combining engineering principles with molecular and cellular biology.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, chemists, data analysts, and engineers, performing experiments in support of multiple research areas (biodefense, healthcare, etc.).
• Serve as a lead on high-impact proposals, manage interdisciplinary teams, and contribute to strategy development for defense biotechnology and health portfolios.
• Mentor and train junior staff members to grow technical capabilities in the laboratory.
• Demonstrate technical expertise through designing and performing experiments, analyzing data, and writing technical reports.
• Publish and present experimental results to our sponsors and the broader scientific community.

Qualifications

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

• A PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Engineering, Biomaterials, or another field relevant to the duties as described above.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated relevant experience.
• Experience working with a broad variety of molecular assays and 2D/3D in vitro cellular or stem cell-derived advanced tissue models (organoids).
• Experience with genome engineering in eukaryotic or prokaryotic models.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills in addition to strong laboratory skills and the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and priorities.
• Methodical, meticulous work practices and excellent interpersonal, logical reasoning, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated success in technical leadership, research funding acquisition, publication, and mentorship.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with scientists and engineers representing different backgrounds, skills, and experience levels.
• The desire to work in both BSL2 and chemical laboratory environments.
• The ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by start date, and ultimately obtain a Secret security 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...

• Experience differentiating and validating multiple stem cell-derived advanced tissue models.
• Experience with microfluidics, advanced materials, and related fabrication methods.
• Experience leading end‑to‑end workflows from gene synthesis, cloning, and transformation through fermentation/bioreactor scale‑up, purification, and analytical characterization.
• A background in 'omics technologies.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams.

About Us

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 http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

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.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually