In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! When it comes to what you want in your career, if you can imagine it, you can do it at Parsons. Imagine a career working with intelligent, diverse people sharing a common quest. Imagine a workplace where you can be yourself. Where you can thrive. Where you can find your next, right now. We’ve got what you’re looking for. Job Description: Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Research Associate III to join our team! In this role you will get to support the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Entomology Branch, Biosystematics Unit in their mission to provide accurate morphological and molecular identification services, and develop identification and vector risk assessment tools for utility on a global stage. What You'll Be Doing: Provide scientific and technical expertise on vector taxonomy (including morphological identification, species descriptions, comparative systematics, taxonomic key building), and expertise in field collections, link-rearing, and appropriate storage and long term-storage techniques for archive, DNA and RNA recovery downstream. Provide scientific and technical expertise for RNA/DNA and whole genome amplification, sequencing and analysis protocols facilitating molecular identification of arthropod vectors and pathogens of disease, as well as determinations of vector-pathogen pathways under genetic control (e.g. insecticide resistance, pathogen susceptibility). Provide scientific and technical expertise (to include scientific publication and scientific grant writing) to envisage, plan, execute, conduct and analyze research on the molecular systematics and incrimination of arthropod vectors utilizing DNA barcoding, NGS approaches, population genetic, phylogenetic, and phylogenomic approaches and various phylogenetic methods. Provide scientific and technical expertise to enable generation of research funding for the VectorMap, implement planned changes to the VectorMap platform to include layers of host and pathogen genetic diversity, develop vector risk maps and models utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. Provide technical expertise for geospatial data management, literature retrieval, archive specimen datamining, curation of VectorMap data, providing VectorMap customer support, producing ENM/MAxEnt models and the production of vector hazard risk, spotlight vector and country profile reports. Provide technical expertise for supporting remote data management utilizing mobile forms for partners to include basic spreadsheet management and importation into mapping tools. Provide technical expertise to execute novel website development and management, to generate front end improvements and develop translational database back end for the WRBU species pages, catalog and VectorMap sites in connection with the Smithsonian Institution OCIO; develop, create, support and maintain WRBU web-based tools and products (including tutorials, keys, species pages). Provide curation support for the US National Collections of Culicidae (mosquitoes), Psychodidae (moth & sand flies), Simuliidae (black flies), Tabanidae (horse & deer flies), Ceratopogonidae (biting midges), Dixidae (meniscus midges), Chaoboridae (phantom midges), Corethrellidae (frog biting midges), and Hippoboscidae (louse flies), including documenting and processing loans, donations and collection growth, as well as cataloging and caring for the SI-NMNH collections and supporting the needs of scientific visitors. What Required Skills You'll Bring: MSc with 10 years’ experience or PhD in a biological science 5 years’ experience, related to morphology, genetics or genomics Strong publication and research grant award history; ability to work independently and as part of a team. Proven expertise in integrated morphological and molecular taxonomy, systematics, and phylogenetics/phylogenomics of insect disease vectors. Experience with taxonomic photography and the design and creation of computer-based multi-entry keys Strong scientific communication skills are required, as applicant shall be expected to prepare scientific manuscripts and deliver oral presentations. Ability to work in laboratory and field environments; may require working evenings and weekends; may require travel and ability to work independently following a brief period of specific technical training. What Desired Skills You'll Bring Insect curatorial and/or field work expertise is desirable. Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Not Applicable/None This position is part of our Federal Solutions team. Our Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our diverse, intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now. We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle! The position may require a COVID vaccination or an approved accommodation/exemption for a disability/medical condition or religious belief as required by customer requirements and some cases federal, state, provincial or local mandates. Parsons is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. Diversity is ingrained in who we are, how we do business, and is one of our company’s core values. Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels for minority, female, disabled, protected veteran and LGBTQ . We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY! Founded in 1944, Parsons Corporation, a digitally enabled solutions provider, is focused on creating the future of the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets. From Earth to outer space, we deliver tomorrow’s solutions today. Equipped with the capabilities required to take on any defense, intelligence, or critical infrastructure challenge, our agile, innovative, and disruptive approach enables us to deliver solutions at the speed of relevance. Our people are our greatest asset. We strive to be an employer of choice that engages employees in the community and creates rewarding career paths to cultivate a resilient workforce that is ready for the future. For more about Parsons, visit parsons.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.