Biologist II

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.

As a Biologist II, you will join a multidisciplinary team advancing biological and computational research in support of national security, environmental, and health-related missions. You will apply strong artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) and computational biology skills to develop and adapt machine learning models, enhance biological data interpretation, support risk and threat assessments, and contribute to digital twin and virtual testbed efforts. You will also perform wet lab experiments in microbiology and molecular biology, analyze results, prepare technical documentation, and collaborate with scientists across disciplines. Additionally, you will actively identify and capitalize on opportunities to lead projects that enhance capabilities and foster the development of novel technical approaches.

This is a hybrid role with both computational and experimental responsibilities, and candidates should be motivated to contribute in either mode based on program needs. This position offers an exhilarating opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic, multidisciplinary team committed to advancing scientific knowledge and solving our customer’s toughest challenges.

This full-time position will be located in Columbus, Ohio.

AI/ML & Computational Biology

• Implement and adapt machine learning workflows for classification, prediction, information extraction, and sequence/text analysis.
• Fine‑tune and evaluate transformer/LLM models and integrate them into analysis pipelines and tools.
• Build and maintain data processing and model evaluation workflows, contributing to validation, benchmarking, and documentation.
• Support digital twin and virtual testbed efforts by preparing datasets and interpreting model outputs.

Experimental Biology (Wet Lab)

• Design and execute experiments in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and/or microbiology following SOPs and best practices.
• Troubleshoot experimental protocols; maintain instruments; ensure data integrity and traceability.

• Follow established safety guidelines to safely work with hazardous/infectious (RG2) materials.

Collaboration, Communication, & Reporting

• Analyze and interpret results; prepare technical reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Mentor and cross-train junior staff in lab and computational techniques.
• Work independently to meet milestones with guidance from senior scientists and project managers.

Some domestic travel is possible but not anticipated.

• PhD, or MS and >2 years, or BS and >5 years in a relevant biological discipline (e.g., molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, bioinformatics, computational biology).
• Strong applied AI/ML capability, including demonstrated experience implementing end-to-end ML workflows and fine-tuning transformer/LLM models for biological or biomedical problems.
• Proficiency in Python (preferred) and/or R, including common scientific/ML libraries (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow).
• Proficiency in Bash and Linux systems (e.g., Ubuntu, WSL).
• Expertise designing and executing experiments rooted in a biological discipline.
• Familiarity with biology-focused LLMs or models (e.g., BioGPT and BioMedLM) or evidence of quickly adapting general LLMs to biological use cases.
• Open-source tooling proficiency (e.g., Git/GitHub, Jupyter notebooks, reproducible environments).
• Clear, concise communication (written and oral) and effectiveness in cross-functional teams.
• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Medically fit to work in the laboratory to perform assigned duties including the ability to wear personal protection equipment (PPE), lift up to 50 pounds, and work around hazardous/infectious materials.

• Demonstrated experience incorporating an AI/ML tool into a computational workflow. Examples include, but are not limited to: a) training/evaluating classification or regression models on omics, imaging, or text data, b) fine-tuning BERT/transformers and establishing evaluation metrics/criteria, and c) integrating LLMs into tools.
• Experience working within laboratory quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO17025, GLP).

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. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

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. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers