Senior Research Scientist - Genomics and Infectious Diseases

About the role

Parsons is seeking a Senior Research Scientist – Genomics and Infectious Diseases to support the Biological Defense Research Directorate within the Naval Medical Research Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland. The role provides senior scientific leadership for research involving genomics, molecular biology, infectious diseases, biosurveillance, pathogen characterization, and whole-genome sequencing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead basic and applied research involving molecular biology, genomics, microbiology, virology, and emerging infectious diseases.
• Design scientifically rigorous studies, experimental methods, and analytical approaches supporting pathogen detection and characterization.
• Provide senior technical direction for whole-genome sequencing and related laboratory and analytical activities.
• Support genomics and metagenomics studies involving pathogens, near neighbors, bacteriophages, and complex samples.
• Guide the development and improvement of wet‑laboratory and bioinformatics protocols.
• Review scientific data, resolve technical issues, and ensure research methods produce accurate and reproducible results.
• Support epidemic, pandemic, and emerging‑threat research and response activities.
• Train and mentor contractor scientists, technicians, and support personnel.
• Coordinate contractor research activities, budgets, supplies, equipment, and laboratory inventories, subject to Government approval.
• Prepare or review scientific reports, protocols, manuscripts, presentations, and funding‑support materials.
• Collaborate with Government personnel and CONUS and OCONUS laboratory partners.
• Travel domestically and internationally, including to potentially austere or resource‑limited environments.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, biology, microbiology, virology, emerging infectious diseases, biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of extensive experience in molecular biology or genomics, with post‑doctoral research experience in virology and bacteriology.
• Demonstrated ability to perform original research, including whole‑genome sequencing, and to manage research programs and train scientific personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication, scientific leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Required skills

• Whole‑genome sequencing
• Metagenomics
• Bioinformatics analysis
• Next‑generation sequencing (NGS)
• Genome assembly and annotation
• Phylogenetics and molecular epidemiology
• Molecular biology techniques
• Microbiology and virology laboratory methods

What we offer

• Salary range $125,100 – $225,200 per year
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Flexible work schedules