Biologist - Entry Level in Durham

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary: We are currently seeking a Biologist – Entry Level. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Research Triangle Park, NC. Please note: This position is contingent upon contract award.

This role provides an excellent opportunity for a recent college graduate to gain hands-on experience in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory operations, molecular microbiology, and environmental pathogen detection. As an integral member of a small, multidisciplinary team conducting cutting-edge research at a client site facility, you will execute established methods, prepare and handle samples, operate analytical instrumentation, document results, and support data review and interpretation. You will contribute directly to timely, accurate laboratory output while adhering to approved procedures, quality standards, and chain-of-custody requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Support BSL-2 laboratory operations and molecular biology research across multiple scientific disciplines.
• Support the setup and commissioning of a BSL-2 laboratory, including infrastructure preparation, safety protocol implementation, and certification activities.
• Support molecular biology activities related to EPA environmental research, particularly water quality and pathogen detection.
• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory procedures independently, with guidance from senior scientists.
• Contribute to maintaining and improving laboratory compliance with BSL-2 safety requirements, following established PPE and biosafety protocols for BSL-2+ operations.
• Assist with day-to-day laboratory operations, including sample processing, documentation, and data quality checks.
• Assist in developing and maintaining laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and testing protocols.
• Follow established safety guidelines when working with hazardous and infectious (RG2) materials.
• Assist with materials inventory and ordering, equipment maintenance, and experimental scheduling.
• Assist in preparing technical data tables, figures, and interpretations for reports, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and client meetings.
• Interact professionally with internal and external clients, leadership, and team members.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or at least 20 semester hours of relevant coursework in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• At least two years of professional experience performing sample analysis using complex chemical or biological science techniques and following standard operating procedures.
• Proven ability to conduct laboratory experiments in accordance with written procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Sufficiently medically fit to perform assigned laboratory duties, including the ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), lift up to 25 pounds, and work in proximity to hazardous and infectious materials.
• Some domestic travel is possible but not anticipated.
• Sole U.S. citizenship required, with the ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience drafting and executing experimental methods.
• Active or previously held government security clearance.

Compensation Data: Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $60,000 – $80,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life. We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed: For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects.
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery.
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment.
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders.
• Give back to and improve our communities.

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols: Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members.