Research Biological Scientist

Job Overview

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 28 April 2026.

Resumes must be no longer than two pages and must be in DD/MMM/YYYY format.

This announcement will be for a flexible-length and renewable term appointment which can be extended, indefinitely, in six-year increments.

The 711 Human Performance Wing (HPW) advances human performance in air, space, and cyberspace through research, education, and consultation. The Wing supports the most critical Air Force resource - the operational military forces. The Radio Frequency Bioeffects Branch needs to fill a DR-0401-02, Biological Research Scientist.

Position Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plans, designs, conducts, and supervises independent and interdisciplinary research in radiation biology that characterizes the interaction of electromagnetic fields and biological systems.
• Employee devises innovative approaches to address complex cellular and molecular biological effects research questions.
• Manages project cost and schedule.
• In addition to conducting hands-on research, employee participates in strategic planning and contributes to the development of research roadmaps including the identification of technical work required to address knowledge gaps and the scope of the projects.
• The employee is responsible for planning and organizing applicable studies, estimating costs, and coordinating with staff and senior management personnel to conduct all phases of the effort.
• Employee leads an interdisciplinary research team that interacts, coordinates, consults, and collaborates directly with military and civilian scientists in USAF and DoD organizations, as well as representatives from national and international organizations.
• Leads international collaboration efforts in conducting radiation biology research.
• In collaboration with a senior scientist, expands the technology database and analytical technologies for assessing the operational and occupational risks from electromagnetic fields and their countermeasures.
• Contributes to electromagnetic field safety guidance and the standardization efforts through scientific organizations.
• Prepares research results for presentation either in written form in scientific periodicals or technical reports or as oral presentations at national and international conferences and meetings, and mentors others to do the same.
• Independently prepares and defends animal and human use protocols.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizens.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• Incentives may/may not be authorized.
• Must obtain and maintain the appropriate clearance for the positions.
• This position may require travel.
• SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year or 52 weeks of specialized experience at the next lower grade of position being advertised, or equivalent in other pay systems.
• Applicants must also meet the Basic Qualification requirements for the series. To view the Individual Occupational Requirements for the position, click on the following links:
  • Research Biological Scientist 0401 (opm.gov)

Desired Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in biology, biostatistics, computational biology, or related field (desired).
• PhD in a relevant field (desired).

Experience:

• In vitro research expertise (e.g., cell culture, microscopy, molecular biology, genomics analysis).
• Proficiency with in vivo animal research, including IACUC protocol development and study execution.
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and experience presenting at scientific conferences.
• Leadership in managing interdisciplinary research teams and projects.

Skills:

• Proficiency in cell culture, molecular biology (PCR, qPCR, Western Blot, ELISA), cytotoxicity assays, microscopy, and flow cytometry.
• Strong analytical skills for complex biological datasets.
• Excellent communication, project management, teamwork, and mentorship abilities.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions for scientific challenges.

Requisition Number 58010

Series

0401