2026 PhD Postdoctoral Researcher in Surveillance, Detection, and Mitigation of emerging biological threats

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

3d

About The Position

Are you passionate about being on the forefront of discovery for infectious diseases, biology, and public health?
Are you excited about surveillance, detection, and mitigation of emerging biological threats in environmental systems and/or using molecular detection or multi-omic analysis? Are you able to use modeling and simulation and artificial intelligence tools to tackle some of the most complex issues confronting the Nation?

Do you thrive on working with interdisciplinary teams?
If you are graduating with a PhD degree in the Biological Sciences, including Microbiology, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Bioaerosol Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Public Health, Epidemiology, Evolutionary Biology, Artificial Intelligence, or related fields we'd love to have you join our team!
APL works across the US Government applying the full spectrum of science and engineering to improve the nation’s ability to understand and safely mitigate biological threats. We partner closely across the whole of the Johns Hopkins enterprise, and with collaborators in government, academia, and industry, to build innovative science and technology solutions to biosecurity challenges. At APL, you will be among creative problem solvers and motivated life-long learners that strive to ensure the health of individuals and the Nation through developing ground-breaking capabilities.
As a member of our team your primary responsibility will contribute to a exciting portfolio of research, development, and characterization projects to help understand and mitigate biological threats faced in field-forward environments, including emerging infectious diseases.
As a postdoc, you will:
Participate in both small and large teams and have the opportunity to work in a variety of laboratory and analytical environments
Develop and complete an independent research project motivated by the most exciting challenges facing our sponsors
Write technical reports and publications, and publish/present findings to the scientific community
Communicate key findings both internally across teams and externally to the broader research community
Leverage novel findings to advance mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of disease on public and warfighter health, including development of detection and surveillance strategies
Contribute to a strong team in the design and execution of interdisciplinary efforts using innovative methods and technologies
Propose novel ideas and develop internal and external proposals applying your technical expertise and aimed at the hardest biological problems facing the Nation

Requirements

• PhD in Science or Engineering in a relevant field.
• Strong technical background (including field or laboratory experience, if applicable) and record of publications.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• The ability to manage multiple simultaneous assignments and changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Methodical, meticulous work practices and excellent interpersonal, logical reasoning, and organizational skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively in our team environment with scientists and engineers representing different backgrounds, skills, and experience levels.
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis methods and experimental design.
• Experience working with analysis and modeling tools, including one or more programming languages such as R or Python.
• Security: You should be able to obtain a final Secret level clearance. If you are 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.
• Special Working Conditions: Approximately two weeks of travel per year. Work in Biosafety Level 2 laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Participate in both small and large teams and have the opportunity to work in a variety of laboratory and analytical environments
• Develop and complete an independent research project motivated by the most exciting challenges facing our sponsors
• Write technical reports and publications, and publish/present findings to the scientific community
• Communicate key findings both internally across teams and externally to the broader research community
• Leverage novel findings to advance mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of disease on public and warfighter health, including development of detection and surveillance strategies
• Contribute to a strong team in the design and execution of interdisciplinary efforts using innovative methods and technologies
• Propose novel ideas and develop internal and external proposals applying your technical expertise and aimed at the hardest biological problems facing the Nation

Benefits

• generous benefits
• a robust education assistance program
• unparalleled retirement contributions
• a healthy work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees