Researcher / Senior Researcher

Who is Blueprint Biosecurity?

Blueprint Biosecurity is a nonprofit dedicated to achieving breakthroughs in humanity’s capability to prevent, mitigate, and suppress pandemics. We design and execute clear, detailed, ambitious, and achievable programs that accelerate the most promising biosecurity interventions and spearhead their implementation.

Role Overview

Blueprint Biosecurity is building an interdisciplinary technical team who translate 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 results to the rest of the team and external audiences.
• Lead modelling projects using infection risk modelling 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.

All of our ideal candidates…

• Are excited about solutions to prevent pandemics and address biological threats.
• Have a strong technical / scientific background, and are excited by the prospect of collaborative interdisciplinary research.
• Are fast learners and get up to speed in new fields quickly.
• Communicate with clarity, both in writing and verbally to diverse audiences.
• Build effective relationships with domain experts across academia, industry, non-profits, and government.
• Are humble and ambitious, curious and analytical.
• Thrive in ambiguity and ask clarifying questions to acquire the information they need.
• Appreciate the value of teamwork and regularly include others in planning, decision-making, and execution.
• Deliver results in high-energy settings without compromising on quality.
• Demonstrate 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 modelling 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:
  • 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 Else You Should Know:

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.

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.

Applications Due: April 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

How to Apply: Submit your application here.

Here’s a summary of the application process for a successful candidate. We might make adjustments.

• Complete this 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!