Associate Scientist – Biomaterials

Associate Scientist – Biological Materials and Processing 

Position Overview 

AeroVironment is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join the Biological Materials and Processing Research Team at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. The successful candidate will support a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers conducting research focused on the development of novel biomaterials and biosynthetic approaches for Air Force-relevant applications. 

The Associate Scientist will work under the direction of experienced scientists and engineers and will contribute to laboratory research involving molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, protein characterization, and biomaterials processing. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field and a strong interest in developing practical laboratory and research skills. 

This position provides an opportunity to work collaboratively with Materials Scientists, Engineers, Bioinformaticians, Chemists, and Microbiologists while gaining experience with a variety of research techniques and analytical methods. As projects evolve, the Associate Scientist may have opportunities to expand their technical knowledge and contribute to additional biomaterials research activities. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support laboratory research activities related to the identification, characterization, and evaluation of genes, proteins, and biological materials. 

• Perform established molecular biology and biochemical procedures in accordance with written protocols and guidance from senior researchers. 

• Assist with the expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant proteins and peptides using established laboratory techniques, including affinity chromatography. 

• Perform protein and nucleic acid analysis using gel electrophoresis and related laboratory methods. 

• Assist with investigations of chemical and biological protein modifications using established experimental procedures. 

• Prepare samples, reagents, and materials for laboratory experiments and research activities. 

• Assist with the characterization and evaluation of materials using laboratory analytical techniques and instrumentation, including DMA, TGA, DSC, and microscopy, as appropriate. 

• Maintain accurate, organized, and thorough laboratory records, including experimental procedures, observations, measurements, and results. 

• Analyze and document experimental data using established methods and appropriate productivity and analytical tools. 

• Communicate research methods, observations, and results to team members through written documentation, informal discussions, and presentations. 

• Participate in technical discussions and contribute ideas and observations to support ongoing biotechnology and biomaterials research. 

• Collaborate effectively with scientists and engineers from diverse technical disciplines and professional backgrounds. 

• Follow established laboratory safety procedures, quality requirements, and organizational policies. 

• Maintain laboratory equipment, work areas, samples, and research materials in accordance with established procedures. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support team and program objectives. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline. 

• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required. 

• Academic, laboratory, internship, or research experience with molecular biology and biochemical techniques. 

• Familiarity with recombinant protein and peptide purification techniques, including affinity chromatography such as GST and His-tag purification. 

• Familiarity with gel electrophoresis techniques used for the separation, visualization, and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. 

• Familiarity with laboratory techniques used to prepare, analyze, and characterize biological or biomaterial samples. 

• Ability to follow established written protocols and laboratory procedures accurately and consistently. 

• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and organized laboratory records. 

• Basic quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 

• Strong oral and written communication skills. 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team. 

• Demonstrated willingness to learn new scientific techniques, instrumentation, and research methods. 

• Familiarity with productivity software such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace for email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, file sharing, and virtual collaboration. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Research or laboratory experience involving molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, protein science, or biomaterials. 

• Experience with protein expression and purification. 

• Experience with molecular cloning or related molecular biology techniques. 

• Familiarity with microscopy techniques, including light microscopy, confocal microscopy, or scanning electron microscopy (SEM). 

• Familiarity with thermal and mechanical characterization techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). 

• Experience working in an academic, government, or industrial research laboratory. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Ability to learn and apply established scientific methods and laboratory procedures. 

• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret experimental data with appropriate guidance. 

• Ability to recognize unexpected results or experimental issues and communicate them to senior team members. 

• Ability to manage multiple laboratory tasks while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment. 

• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical team members. 

• Demonstrated curiosity and interest in scientific research and development. 

• Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and learn new techniques as research requirements evolve. 

Work Environment 

This position involves working primarily in a laboratory and research environment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The employee will work with biological materials, laboratory equipment, analytical instrumentation, and computer-based research and documentation systems. The position requires adherence to applicable laboratory safety procedures, security requirements, and organizational policies. 

The Associate Scientist will work under established procedures and the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers while progressively developing the knowledge and skills necessary to perform increasingly complex research activities.