Researcher/Senior Researcher
Blueprint Biosecurity
📍Remote (Global) 🕔 Full Time
⏳ 27/04/2025 💰$90–$120,000 USD
Blueprint Biosecurity is building an interdisciplinary technical team that translates academic and industry research into actionable plans to prevent and suppress future pandemics.
You will work directly with the Research Director to produce publications such as our Blueprint for far-UVC, provide technical advice to our program teams, and inform our pandemic prevention strategies through careful and rigorous analysis of scientific, industrial, and policy landscapes. We anticipate hiring multiple positions to support our programs on personal protective equipment (PPE), far-UVC, and other engineering controls to suppress pathogen transmission in the built environment.
We are particularly excited to build our internal expertise in aerosol science, environmental engineering, microbiology, molecular biology and modeling techniques relevant to our work. However, we are open to candidates from a wide variety of technical backgrounds who can contribute to a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
Responsibilities
Review relevant academic literature, technical data sheets, and policy documents, distilling key information into concise summaries with clear chains of reasoning
Conduct interviews with domain experts and build professional relationships
Own the development of projects in our research agenda and communicate the result to the rest of the team and external audiences
Lead modeling projects using infection risk modeling frameworks, cost-effectiveness analysis, and other quantitative methods
Draft technical sections of our Calls for Proposals
Present at conferences and workshops, and engage with other attendees to gain feedback on our work, learn about cutting-edge research, and build collaborative relationships
Document research processes and identify opportunities for improvement
Design methods and strategies to capture, store, and manage data
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Additional Responsibilities (Senior Researcher)
Manage relationships with external research contractors to ensure timeliness and quality of output
Work autonomously to deliver high-quality projects with minimal oversight
Lead publications or substantial sections of large works like our far-UVC Blueprint
Tailor outputs to decision-makers, with the ability to influence stakeholders other than your scientific peers
Ensure that projects remain on track, and proactively identify mitigation measures when barriers arise
Coach and support junior colleagues
Our Ideal Candidate
Is excited about solutions to prevent pandemics and address biological threats
Has a strong technical/scientific background, and is excited by the prospect of collaborative interdisciplinary research
Is a fast learner and gets up to speed in new fields quickly
Communicates with clarity, both in writing and verbally to diverse audiences
Builds effective relationships with domain experts across academia, industry, nonprofits, and government
Is humble and ambitious, curious and analytical
Thrives in ambiguity and asks clarifying questions to acquire the information they need
Appreciates the value of teamwork and regularly includes others in planning, decision-making, and execution
Delivers results in high-energy settings without compromising on quality
Demonstrates resilience in overcoming challenges
Skills and Qualifications
Excellent research skills with ability and willingness to learn how to interpret a wide variety of methods and research results
Proficiency in quantitative reasoning under uncertainty, such as Fermi estimation
Proficiency in leveraging emerging AI tools to streamline workflows and drive productivity gains across various aspects of the role
A relevant technical background, demonstrated either through advanced academic study or previous work experience
While not required, we have a preference for candidates with:
Proficiency in statistical analysis using R, Python and other relevant languages
Familiarity with relevant infection risk frameworks such as Wells-Riley modeling or quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA)
Experience managing other researchers or external contractors/collaborators
You may be a great fit for our research team if you have previous experience providing systems, engineering and technical assistance (SETA) to ARPA agencies, working as a scientific or engineering consultant, or as a technical subject matter expert in industry.
If you are on the fence about whether your technical knowledge or professional experience is relevant, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Additional Skills and Qualifications (Senior Researcher)
At least 2 years post-doc or private sector experience conducting relevant research
Either or both of:
A PhD in a relevant technical field, such as (but not limited to) microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, engineering, epidemiology, immunology, physics, chemistry, or a medical degree
A minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience in academic, government, or private sector settings, demonstrating progressive responsibility and technical expertise
Demonstrated ability to balance multiple complex projects and priorities effectively
What We Offer
Compensation: The base salary for this position ranges from $90,000–$120,000 USD for Researchers and $145,000–$180,000 for Senior Researchers. We consider a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the role and responsibilities, work experience, education/training, skills, expertise, and internal equity.
Benefits: Our benefits package for full-time employees includes:
Unlimited PTO + paid holidays
Generous health and wellness benefits through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) for you and your family
Fully paid family leave
Annual 401(k) contributions equal to 10% of your base salary
Support for productive work from home
How to Apply
Here’s a summary of the application process for a successful candidate. We might make adjustments.
Complete the application form by April 27, 2025 11:59 PM EDT
Attend an initial screening call
Complete 1-2 paid work test(s) designed to simulate the work you would do if hired and evaluate key skills important for success in the role
Attend two remote interviews
Submit references
Receive an employment offer!
Application Details
Location: This position will be a remote position, with a preference for candidates living in (or willing to relocate to) Washington, DC. Remote staff must be able to work between 10 am and 2 pm Eastern Time. Due to the nature of this role, competitive candidates will have the ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours and travel up to 25% of the time.
Start Date: We’d like a candidate to start as soon as possible after receiving an offer, though there is some flexibility.
Workplace Inclusion and Accessibility: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all employees have the opportunity to succeed. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Please let us know what accommodations you might need when applying or if asked to be interviewed by emailing us at recruiting@blueprintbiosecurity.org.
Referral Bonus
We offer a referral bonus of up to $5,000 to individuals who refer successful candidates for this position:
If the candidate receives a job offer from us, you will receive $1,000;
If the candidate is still working with us after three months, you will receive a further $4,000, for a total of $5,000.
To receive these bonuses, we must reasonably believe that you were responsible for referring the candidate to us (e.g. due to you introducing them to us when we didn’t previously know them, or them mentioning you on their application as the reason they heard about the position). You can use this form to submit potential candidates.
