Associate Microbiologist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

27d•Onsite

About The Position

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (APL) is seeking a highly motivated microbiologist to join the Biological Sciences Group in the Research Exploratory Development Department. This role focuses on engineering microbial metabolic pathways and contributing to APL's mission of providing impactful contributions to critical challenges in national security. The position involves working with interdisciplinary teams of scientists on application development for National Defense, with a focus on molecular biology and engineering non-model microbes.

Requirements

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.
Proficient in basic molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA manipulation and analysis, qPCR, assay development, microscopy techniques, and microbial cell culture.
Able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI, level clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.