What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2026 PhD Postdoctoral Researcher in Surveillance, Detection, and Mitigation of emerging biological threats position at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory?
Description
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
You meet qualifications for the job if you meet some or all of the following:
Special Working Conditions: Approximately two weeks of travel per year. Work in Biosafety Level 2 laboratories.
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
$85,300 Annually
Maximum Rate
$155,500 Annually
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
You meet qualifications for the job if you meet some or all of the following:
- 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.
Special Working Conditions: Approximately two weeks of travel per year. Work in Biosafety Level 2 laboratories.
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
$85,300 Annually
Maximum Rate
$155,500 Annually
Salary : $85,300 - $155,500